Species:           Dogs, cats, horses

Specimen:        Whole blood

Container:        EDTA (purple top)

Collection protocol:

Mix blood and anticoagulant gently and as soon as possible to prevent clotting. Make and air dry a blood smear as soon as possible to prevent artefactual changes occurring in the RBCs and WBCs. Do not refrigerate smears. Keep smears away from flies.

Special handling/shipping requirements: Keep cool and transport to laboratory as soon as possible

General information about the disease: NA

General information about when this test is indicated: Where there is anaemia and haemorrhage is ruled out as a cause of anaemia