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→Protocol for blood handling
==Protocol for blood handling==
==Protocol for blood handling==
The following protocol is for reptiles that weigh over 300 g. For reptiles under this weight less plasma will be available for biochemistry. It may be necessary to prioritise your tests.
The following protocol is for reptiles that weigh over 300 g. For reptiles under this weight, less plasma will be available for biochemistry. It may be necessary to prioritise your tests.
*Essential materials and equipment - 0.5 ml heparin tube (orange), 1.0 ml heparin and gel tube (green), 4 coverslips (or 3 microscope slides).
*Essential materials and equipment - 0.5 ml heparin tube (orange), 1.0 ml heparin and gel tube (green), 4 coverslips (or 3 microscope slides).
*Advisable - microhaematocrit tube, centrifuge and refractometer.
*Advisable - microhaematocrit tube, centrifuge and refractometer.
*A haematocrit-capillary tube is filled for centrifuging for PCV then total protein by refractometer. This step is not essential but will give immediate results. A buffy coat smear can also be obtained.
*A haematocrit-capillary tube is filled for centrifuging for PCV then total protein by refractometer. This step is not essential but will give immediate results. A buffy coat smear can also be obtained.
*The sample for biochemistry is centrifuged immediately to separate the plasma. A delay may cause artificial changes to the biochemical parameters (e.g. potassium concentration declines due a shift of ions from the plasma into the red blood cells).
*The sample for biochemistry is centrifuged immediately to separate the plasma. A delay may cause artificial changes to the biochemical parameters (e.g. potassium concentration declines due a shift of ions from the plasma into the red blood cells).
==Use of anticoagulants==
==Use of anticoagulants==
EDTA may be suitable for some species but, as a general rule, use lithium heparin for haematology since EDTA lyses erythrocytes of some species of reptiles. Blood films are best made with fresh blood without an anticoagulant immediately following collection and then air-dried. Heparin creates a blue tinge to blood films and causes clumping of the thrombocytes and leukocytes whereas those made from blood without anticoagulant give superior cellular morphology.
EDTA may be suitable for some species but, as a general rule, use lithium heparin for haematology since EDTA lyses erythrocytes of some species of reptiles. Blood films are best made with fresh blood without an anticoagulant immediately following collection and then air-dried. Heparin creates a blue tinge to blood films and causes clumping of the thrombocytes and leukocytes whereas those made from blood without anticoagulant give superior cellular morphology.
[[Category:Snake Specimen Collection]]
[[Category:Snake Specimen Collection]]