Abaxis VETSCAN VS2 Manual Del Usuario página 44

4.7.4 Handling Samples
Use the following guidelines and procedures to ensure best results.
Syringe Guide
Use the following sizes according to the size of the patient:
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Before dispensing, remove the needle to avoid hemolysis.
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Dispense the sample slowly into the sample tube.
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For dehydrated patients: Use plasma, or allow the sample to settle for 5 minutes and
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then draw from the top of the sample.
Test Tube Order
To prevent contamination, always fill test tubes in this order:
1. Blue top: Sodium citrate. Anticoagulant for coagulation only.
2. Red top: No anticoagulant.
Note: Use the red top test tube only if necessary. If the red top tube is not needed, fill the green
top tube first. But when needed, the red top tube must be filled before any other.
3. Green top: Lithium heparin. Anticoagulant for chemistry only.
4. Purple top: EDTA. Anticoagulant for hematology only.
CAUTIONS: Do not remove a sample from the rotor and try to reintroduce it to the rotor.
Never place green top tubes on a test-tube rocker.
Store samples at room temperature, and use within 60 minutes.
EDTA contamination severely affects results, most notably Ca, Na, and K+.
4-16
Small breed: up to 10 kg — use a 25-gauge syringe.
Medium breed: 10–30 kg — use a 22-gauge syringe.
Larger breed: 30–60 kg — use a 20-gauge syringe.
Giant breed: over 60 kg — use an 18-gauge syringe.
Test Procedure and Results