Before You Submit a Specimen

Before sending samples to the laboratory:

• Use the correct collection container for the requested test.
• Label all specimens clearly.
• Store specimens at the appropriate temperature.
• Include a completed submission form with every sample.
• Ensure all required information is provided (clinic, owner, animal ID, tests requested).

Incomplete or improperly collected samples may result in testing delays or rejection.

Blood Specimen — Whole Blood

Collection Technique

Perform the blood draw using proper venipuncture technique.

Specimen Container

• Collect whole blood into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.

Mixing

• Immediately after collection, gently invert the tube 10–15 times to ensure proper mixing.

Blood Smears (Recommended)

• Prepare two air-dried blood smears as soon as possible after collection.
• This step is strongly recommended if the sample will not reach the laboratory the same day.

Labelling
Label tubes and slides with:

• Animal ID
• Owner’s name
• Collection date

Storage

• Place blood smears in a rigid slide holder at room temperature.
• Keep EDTA blood refrigerated until submission.

Blood Specimen — Serum

Collection Technique

• Perform blood draw using proper technique.

Specimen Container

• Collect blood into a Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube (RTT).

Mixing

• SST: gently invert after collection.
• RTT (no additives): do not mix.

Preparation

• Allow specimen to clot.
• Centrifuge at 3000 × g for 10 minutes.
• Transfer serum into a clean RTT immediately after centrifugation.

Labelling
Label the tube with:

• Animal ID
• Owner’s name
• Collection date

Storage

• Store serum refrigerated until submission.

Fecal Specimen

Collection Technique

• Collect feces in a SAF container or sterile screw-cap container.

Labelling
Label the container with:

• Animal ID
• Owner’s name

Storage

• SAF-preserved samples: store at room temperature.
• Unpreserved samples: refrigerate.

Important Note
Some tests (such as molecular diagnostics or DNA testing) require fecal samples in standard fecal containers rather than SAF. Always verify requirements in the Test Directory before collecting specimens.

Microbiology Specimens

Collection Technique

• Collect specimens before administering antibiotics whenever possible.
• Use sterile equipment and aseptic technique.

Specimen Container

• Use the appropriate transport system for the specific specimen type.

Labelling
Label containers with:

• Animal ID
• Owner’s name
• Collection site or method

Storage

• Refrigerate specimens immediately after collection to prevent overgrowth.
• Do not refrigerate blood or fluid culture specimens — these should be submitted to the laboratory immediately.

Submission Form

Every specimen must be accompanied by a completed submission form.

Please ensure:

All required information is completed, including:

• Submitter (clinic) information
• Owner’s name
• Animal identification
• All requested tests or profiles are clearly selected.
• Relevant notes or clinical history are included when applicable.
• Portal submissions: Print the submission form generated by the portal and include it with the specimen.
• Paper submission forms: Ensure that all handwriting is clear and legible.
• Place the completed form inside the specimen bag with the sample.

Some tests performed by external reference laboratories may require additional forms.

Specimen Pick-Up

To arrange transport of specimens to the laboratory:

• Contact customer support to schedule a pick-up.
• Specify whether the request is routine or STAT.
• Place the specimen submission in the designated HealthGene lock box for collection.