Species: All species

Specimen: Glass slide with film made from EDTA blood (purple top) or from fresh blood immediately after collection

Container: Send in a plastic slide holder, to protect from breaking while in transit.

Collection protocol: Preferably make smears as soon as blood is taken, but as soon as is practicable. Degeneration of leukocytes may be seen within 15-20 minutes of blood collection.

Special handling/shipping requirements: Air dry as quickly as possible. Do not refrigerate.

Comparison with other related tests: Some of these preparation criteria apply to general cytology smears