Page 20 - RVC Labs price list 2025

Taking samples -
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hints and tips

GENERAL INFORMATION
• Clearly label all tubes/slides.
• Complete an RVC request form – proper completion allows for better
data interpretation.
• Please be sure to indicate which tests/panels you want.
• Indicate if sample is infectious – POTENTIAL ZOONOSIS or from non
human primate.
• Haemolysis affects all tests to varying degrees:
To prevent Haemolysis:
a) take sample
b) remove needle from syringe
c) remove stopper from tube
d) gently expel blood into tube. Mix gently if anticoagulant present.
• Ensure proper packaging
1) Blood/urine should be in capped, leak proof containers
2) Further enclose in durable outer container with enough packing
material to absorb all contents, should breakage occur
3) Ensure NO CONTACT WITH FORMALIN (even fumes) with
cytology smears or blood films – cell morphology is severely
compromised
4) Tissues in formal saline are in securely capped containers and in
separate bags.
• Indicate if results are required ASAP.
• For best results, please DO NOT post samples by mail on Friday or
Saturday.

CHEMISTRY
a) Separate serum/plasma from cells if possible (integrity of results is
greatly improved). Allow serum sample to clot for at least 30 mins if a
centrifuge is unavailable. Let stand and remove what serum you can
(some RBCs will be present) preferably within 2 hours of collection.
Serum separator tubes need centrifuging.
b) Glucose is preserved using a fluoride oxalate tube. Plasma separation
is not required.

20 Email us: diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac.uk