Species:                      Feline

Specimen:                   Whole blood

Container:                   EDTA (purpletop)

Collection protocol:  Collect as for CBC

Special handling/shipping requirements:  As for CBC

General information about the test:

Cats have three blood types, A, AB and B. Cats have natural antibody against other blood groups. Type B kittens have high levels of anti A antibodies and acute transfusion reactions can occur when type B kittens are given transfused. Type B cats should only be given type B RBCs and type A RBCs should never been given to type B cats. RBCs from type B cats can be given to type A or AB cats.

General information about when this test is indicated:  Severe blood/RBC loss, haemorrhage