4-16 Test Procedure and Results
Handling Samples
Use the following guidelines and procedures to ensure best results.
Syringe Guide
❑ Small breed: up to 10 kg — use a 25-gauge syringe.
❑ Medium breed: 10–30 kg — use a 22-gauge syringe.
❑ Larger breed: 30–60 kg — use a 20-gauge syringe.
❑ Giant breed: over 60 kg — use an 18-gauge syringe.
■ Before dispensing, remove the needle to avoid hemolysis.
■ Dispense the sample slowly into the sample tube.
■ For dehydrated patients: Use plasma, or allow the sample to settle for 5 minutes
and then draw from the top of the sample.
Test Tube Order
To prevent contamination, always fill test tubes in this order:
1. Red top: No anticoagulant.
Note: Use the red top test tube only if necessary. If the red top tube is not
needed, fill the green top tube first. But when needed, the red top
tube must be filled before any other.
2. Green top: Lithium heparin. Anticoagulant for chemistry only.
3. Purple top: EDTA. Anticoagulant for hematology only.
CAUTIONS: Do not remove a sample from the rotor and try to reintroduce it to the rotor.
Never place green top tubes on a test-tube rocker.
Store samples at room temperature, and use within 60 minutes.
EDTA contamination severely affects results, most notably Ca and K+.
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