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Blood (plasma and cells) is approximately 6% of the body weight of snakes and the normal PCV of a snake is about 0.20 to 0.30 l/l (20-30%). Blood cells form in the bone marrow and spleen, and early in life, the liver.  

Blood (plasma and cells) is approximately 6% of the body weight of snakes and the normal PCV of a snake is about 0.20 to 0.30 l/l (20-30%). Blood cells form in the bone marrow and spleen, and early in life, the liver.  

==Identification==

==Identification==

Identification of blood cells can be a problem due to lack of comprehensive reference material for reptile haematology, lack of standardised nomenclature for leucocytes, species variation, inappropriate anticoagulants, improper sampling technique and lymph dilution. Automated counting techniques may not be suitable for reptile blood samples because of the nucleated red blood cells. Reptile leucocytes are fragile and the proper technique in preparation of blood smears is important to obtain valid differentials.  

Identification of blood cells can be a problem due to lack of comprehensive reference material for reptile haematology, lack of standardised nomenclature for leucocytes, species variation, inappropriate anticoagulants, improper sampling technique and lymph dilution. Automated counting techniques may not be suitable for reptile blood samples because of the nucleated red blood cells. Reptile leucocytes are fragile and the proper technique in preparation of blood smears is important to obtain valid differentials.  

 

Blood cells include erythrocytes which are nucleated, [[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Leucocytes|leucocytes]] ([[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Heterophils|heterophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Eosinophils|eosinophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Basophils|basophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Lymphocytes|lymphocytes]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Monocytes|monocytes]] and [[Lizard_and_Snake_Blood Cell_Identification#Azurophils|azurophils]]) and [[Thrombocytes|thrombocytes]].

Blood cells include erythrocytes which are nucleated, [[Leucocytes - Reptile|leucocytes]] ([[Heterophils - Reptile|heterophils]], [[Eosinophils - Reptile|eosinophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Basophils|basophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Lymphocytes|lymphocytes]], [[Monocytes - Reptile|monocytes]] and [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Azurophils|azurophils]]) and [[Thrombocytes - Reptile|thrombocytes]].

==Interpretation==

==Interpretation==

==Staining==

==Staining==

Romanowsky stains, although time consuming, give the best results. DiffQuik may give adequate results. Reticulocytes are detected with new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue and other supravital stains. Cell-specific stains are available.

Romanowsky stains, although time consuming, give the best results. DiffQuik may give adequate results. Reticulocytes are detected with new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue and other supravital stains. Cell-specific stains are available.

[[Category:Lizard_Diagnostics|H]]

[[Category:Lizard_Diagnostics|H]]

[[Category:Snake_Diagnostics]]

[[Category:Snake_Diagnostics|D]]