Clinical Pathology Laboratory - Hematology Protocols
Frequently asked questions
Collection protocol for small volume specimens (mice, rabbits, etc.)
Instruments: Advia 2120 Hematology Analyzer, version 2.00.00, multi-species; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Deerfield, IL Sample Requirements: EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube); minimum volume of 400 μLs is required for sampling processing; tubes of appropriate size should be selected to ensure an optimal ratio of EDTA to whole blood. Tests Available: Hematology tests
| Option | Description of item | Required serum volume
| | 1 | CBC- includes RBC count, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, plt count, MPV, PCT, PDW, PCV, total plasma protein, plasma color, manual WBC 100 cell differential count and evaluation of RBC morphologic changes | 400 μL* | | 2 | Mini-CBC (same as above, but without manual differential cell count and RBC morphology) | 400 μL* | | 3 | Platelet count and fibrinogen | 500 μL* | *In some instances, automated CBC testing can be performed with a minimum volume of 200 uL of EDTA whole blood. Volumes of less than 200 uL cannot be performed using automated methods. Contact lab for additional options. Appropriate Tubes: The following tubes are suitable for blood collection and analysis using the Advia analyzer for animals in which only small volumes of blood can be collected safely. Please contact the lab if you have questions regarding the appropriate tube to utilize for your samples. | Name | Sample volume | Mfr # | | BD EDTA Microtainer Capillary Blood Collector | 500 uL | 365973 | | BD EDTA Microtainer Capillary Blood Collector with BD Microgard Closure | 500 uL | 365974 | | Greiner EDTA Vacuette MiniCollect Capilary Blood Collection System (requires purchase of specific capillary tube) | 500 uL | 450404 | Sample Handling: Following collection, tubes should be inverted 8 times to ensure adequate mixing of blood and EDTA. Label tubes using permanent marker with a legible, simplified numbering system. Samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible following collection. They should not be frozen or transported directly on ice. Transport with cold packs is recommended. Results: CBC parameters generated from the Advia include RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, MPV, PCT and PDW. Results generated by laboratory personnel include PCV, total plasma protein, plasma color (if abnormal), WBC and platelet estimate, 100 cell differential count, and RBC morphologic changes. Any abnormal results are reviewed by the clinical pathologist on duty. Results are available in Excel format. Slides and data are stored for 2 years in the laboratory, unless specially arranged with the lab. Common Interferences: Samples with clots cannot be analyzed due to inaccurate results and the potential to damage laboratory equipment. Hemolyzed and lipemic samples may artifactually elevate or invalidate the total plasma protein. Hemolysis may invalidate the hemogloblin concentration, MCH and MCHC calculations.
Collection protocol for large volume specimens (dogs, horses, etc.) Instruments: Advia 2120 Hematology Analyzer, version 2.00.00, multi-species; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Deerfield, IL Sample Requirements: EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube); minimum volume of 400 μLs is required for sampling processing; tubes of appropriate size should be selected to ensure an optimal ratio of EDTA to whole blood. Tests Available: Hematology tests
| Option | Description of item | Required serum volume
| | 1 | CBC- includes RBC count, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, plt count, MPV, PCT, PDW, PCV, total plasma protein, plasma color, manual WBC 100 cell differential count and evaluation of RBC morphologic changes | 400 μL* | | 2 | Mini-CBC (same as above, but without manual differential cell count and RBC morphology) | 400 μL* | | 3 | Platelet count and fibrinogen (alone or as part of the coagulation profile) | 500 μL* | **In some instances, automated CBC testing can be performed with a minimum volume of 200 uL of EDTA whole blood. Volumes of less than 200 uL cannot be performed using automated methods. Contact lab for additional options. Small volume samples should be collected into tubes designed for smaller volumes of blood (see the form, Complete Blood Count (CBC): Collection Protocols for Small Volume Specimens - Mice, Rats, and Rabbits, for appropriate collection tubes). Contact lab for additional options. Appropriate Tubes: The following tubes are suitable for blood collection and analysis using the Advia analyzer for animals in which only small volumes of blood can be collected safely. Please contact the lab if you have questions regarding the appropriate tube to utilize for your samples. | Name | Sample volume | Mfr # | | BD Vacutainer Blood Tubes with K2EDTA | 2 mL | 367841 | | BD Vacutainer Blood Tubes with K2EDTA | 3 mL | 367856 |
Sample Handling:
Following collection, tubes should be inverted 8 times to ensure adequate mixing of blood and EDTA. Label tubes using permanent marker with a legible, simplified numbering system. Samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible following collection. They should not be frozen or transported directly on ice. Transport with cold packs is recommended. Results: CBC parameters generated from the Advia include RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, MPV, PCT and PDW. Results generated by laboratory personnel include PCV, total plasma protein, plasma color (if abnormal), WBC and platelet estimate, 100 cell differential count, and RBC morphologic changes. Any abnormal results are reviewed by the clinical pathologist on duty. Results are available in Excel format. Slides and data are stored for 2 years in the laboratory, unless specially arranged with the lab. Common Interferences: Samples with clots cannot be analyzed due to inaccurate results and the potential to damage laboratory equipment. Hemolyzed and lipemic samples may artifactually elevate or invalidate the total plasma protein. Hemolysis may invalidate the hemogloblin concentration, MCH and MCHC calculations.
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