1. Packed Cell Volumes Total Proteins Blood Smear Prep

2. PCV (Packed Cell Volume)  In the CBC, we determine the number of RBC’s in several different ways. The quickest and easiest is called the hematocrit, also referred to as the packed cell volume (PCV).  The hematocrit or the packed cell volume will tell you if the animal is dehydrated or anemic.

3.  Whole blood is collected in an anticoagulant, EDTA, and placed in a capillary tube. Microhematocrit tubes should be filled to the designated line, with one ended plugged with clay sealant

4.  A blood sample should be spun in a microhematocrit centrifuge for 2-5 minutes.  Lie the tube in the centrifuge with plugged end to the outside. *Note the number of your slot. Ensure that a balancing hematocrit tube is placed opposite, either by someone placing their tube there, or by adding an empty tube  The cells are heavier than the plasma and are compacted at one end of the tube.

6.  The bottom of the RBC layer should be at the zero line and the top of the plasma on the top line (page 37 Fig 2-7)  PCV is determined as the percentage of the cellular portion relative to the total amount of blood in the tube

7. Plasma Evaluation  Plasma color and transparency may be helpful in the determination of a diagnosis and should be recorded.  Normal plasma is clear and a pale straw –yellow color  Cloudy Serum = lipemic  Reddish Tinge = hemolyzed  Yellow = Icteric (liver dz)  If the serum is anything but clear, a falsely elevated total protein will result.  Page 36

8.  Plasma Protein concentrations estimation by refractometry is an important component of the CBC in all species  The plasma used to determinate the TP is collected by breaking the hematocrit tube just above the buffy coat- plasma interface. Plasma Protein Concentration or Total Protein / Total Solids

9.  The plasma is allowed to flow onto the refractometer prism.  Page 37 fig 2-9

10. Blood Film / Smears  The blood film is used to perform the differential WBC count; estimate platelet numbers; and evaluate the morphological features of WBCs, RBCs and platelets.  Wedge smears are prepared by placing a small drop of blood on a clean glass microscope slide

12. Diff Quick Stain

13.  Always stain using the lightest to darkest stain.  Dip each slide 10-12 times  Remember which side of your slide is up.  Rinse off stain using a gentle stream of water.  Allow slide to air dry.

14. Overstaining of a slide