WBC differential (blood smear)
Species: All species
Specimen: Glass slide with film made from EDTA blood (lavender top) or from fresh blood immediately after collection
Container: Send in a plastic slide holder, protected from breaking while on courier
Collection protocol:
Make smears preferably as soon as blood is taken, but as soon as is practicable. Degeneration of leukocytes may be seen within 15-20 mins of taking blood sample
Special handling/shipping requirements:
Air dry as quickly as possible. Do not refrigerate.
Comparison with other related tests:
Some of these preparation criteria apply to general cytology smears.