| Test Required
|
Sample Required
|
Comments
|
| Haematology
|
EDTA
|
Mix gently immediately after collection
|
| Biochemistry
|
Serum
|
Centrifuge after permitting sufficient clotting time (min 2 hours)
|
| Fibrinogen
|
Citrate
|
Mix gently immediately after collection
|
| SAA
|
Serum
|
Needs to be processed quickly as the half life is very short
|
| Electrolytes
|
Heparin
|
Mix gently immediately after collection
|
| Glucose
|
Fluoride oxalate
|
Can use fresh whole blood if tested immediately
|
| Insulin
|
Serum
|
Fasting sample required
|
| Prothrombin clotting time
|
Citrate
|
A normal sample is required for comparison
|
| Progesterone
|
Serum
|
|
| Oestrone Sulphate
|
Serum
|
|
| Testosterone
|
Serum
|
Request Testosterone before Inhibin for GCTs
|
| IgG
|
Serum
|
Measurement techniques vary so check sample requirements
|
| ACTH
|
EDTA plasma
|
Freeze plasma as soon after collection as poss (max 2 hours)
|
| Selenium
|
Heparin/Serum
|
Send Heparin for deficiency testing, serum for toxicity testing.
|
| Zinc
|
Serum
|
Avoid using tubes with a rubber bung
|
| Drugs testing
|
Serum or Heparin
|
Send to HFL
|
| Virus Titres e.g. EHV
|
Serum
|
Take 2 samples 14 days apart (freeze 1st)
|
| Tapeworm ELISA
|
Serum
|
|