sample collection and sample processing

-  After serum has separated from clotted blood, pour serum out of the clot tube into another collection tube, or tease the clot out of the tube with a wooden stick (such as a toothpick), leaving only serum in the tube.

-  A clot must be handled gently during the process of separating the serum. A good quality serum sample will appear clear to pale yellow in color.

- Cloudy, slimy, or hemolysis samples should not be sent to the laboratory.

-  Sending Serum Samples to the Laboratory Once serum has successfully separated from a clot, it should be kept cool (7°C) and sent immediately to the laboratory.

Guidelines for serum Collection:

 • Select normal representative birds (10 to 20 sera samples), unless working up a diagnosis.

 • Collect 2.0 to 3.0 mL of blood from each bird.

 • Samples collected with a needle are cleaner than with a scalpel.

• Do not damage samples by forcing the blood sample back through the needle into the clot?

 • Ensure blood runs down the side of the clot tube and position the tubes nearly flat until the clot is formed.

• Leave blood in the clot tube for 10 to 12 hours at 27°C (or for 2h at 4-6 °C).

 • Do not shake, roughly handle or freeze the blood while the clot is forming or hemolysis will occur.

 • Remove clot gently, or pour off serum.

 • Do not mail samples without first removing the clot.

 • Keep the serum samples cool and send immediately to the laboratory on wet ice.