Sample collection requirements
General Advice for sample collection
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It is recommended that the animal be fasted overnight to avoid lipaemic samples. Collect blood samples carefully to avoid haemolysis as haemolysed samples cannot be used in some of the tests.
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Ensure the animal's identification eg. name and/or microchip number is written on all the blood tubes, slides and slide holders for identification purposes.
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Complete a VETPATH Export Submission form for each animal with the owner's name, animal's name/identification, age/date of birth, breed, gender and microchip number.
Specific sample collection requirements
Babesia gibsoni screening serology
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1ml serum |
Babesia gibsoni smear examination
|
2 blood smears |
Smears must be made from capillary blood collected from the ear. Air-dry these smears and then place each smear into a separate slide holder. DO NOT fix or stain the smears. For more information on smears see "How to make a blood smear"
| Leishmania spp. IFAT screening serology |
1 ml serum |
| Microfilaria concentration |
1 ml EDTA blood
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| Heartworm Antigen test |
1 ml EDTA blood
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| Rabies serology for the PETS scheme |
1 ml serum
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The samples are sent to the UK-approved laboratory BIOBEST.
Please submit the BIOBEST Submission form together with each sample. This can be downloaded from BIOBEST