Idea Exchange: Two tips for drawing blood

When performing tests that require three drops of blood (heartworm or FeLV/FIV tests), we use a standard U-100 insulin syringe to draw 15 units of blood, the equivalent of three drops. When performing a test that requires anticoagulated blood, we first place heparin in the syringe to eliminate the need for a purple-top tube. This minimizes the amount of blood needed from the patient.

Tara Vreeland, CVT

Meridian, Idaho