VCLP Final Test - Part 2 (PCV, plasma colors, total protein, blood serum, absolute numbers)

How do you collect a blood serum sample?

1. Collect blood into a red or marble top tube. 2. Allow it to sit until clotted (15-20 minutes) 3. The serum portion is carefully removed with a pipette.

How do you do the PCV (Packed Cell Volume)?

1. Fill 2 HCT tubes with blood, pack with clay. 2. Centrifuge it for 5 minutes 3. Using the Critocap chart, line up the RBC interface with the 0% line. 4. Read % at the buffy coat interface.

How do you calculate absolute #s for your 100 Diff count?

1. Turn the percentage into an "integer" Example 55% becomes .55. 2. Multiply it by the WBC count number. This number is given by a separate lab.

How do you do the TP (Total Protein) test?

1. Zero the refractometer with distilled water. 2. Break the hematocrit tube just above the buffy coat. 3. Drop the plasma on the refractometer. 4. Aim at light and read it.

What are the normal PCV levels for a dog and cat?

Dog = 37-55% Cat = 30-45%

What is the quality control for the PCV test?

It has to be run in duplicate (2 test tubes) Duplicates must be +/- 2% to be reportable.

Icterus plasma color

It is bright yellow.

Normal plasma color

It is clear, straw or yellow.

How do you report the TP (Total Protein) test?

It is reported in g/dL. It is recorded to the tenth place. Example 6.4 g/dL.

What is blood serum?

It is the liquid portion of clotted blood with NO anticoagulant in it.

Lipemia plasma color

It is too light yellow.

Hemolysis plasma color

It is too reddish.

What does the Packed Cell Volume test tell you?

It measure the % of RBCs in a whole blood sample.

How do you report absolute numbers?

They are reported as neuts/uL, lymphs/uL, monos/uL, etc.

How do you list the result of the PCV test?

You list it as a %. It is always a whole number like 52% (not 52.5%)