Selection, Collection, and Submission of Samples

Comparative Hematolgy Submission Guidelines

Please send all samples to the following address:

Kansas State University Vet Diagnostic Lab
1800 Denison Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66506-5605

Iron, TIBC, Ferritin, Ceruloplasmin, Haptoglobin Tests

Iron and TIBC sample must be serum. Plasma sample can be used for ferritin, ceruloplasmin, and haptoglobin. Hemolysis must be avoided if possible as it can cause erroneous results. Serum should be removed from the clot, placed into a plastic capped tube, and frozen at -20°C. Frozen tubes should be packed in a leak-proof container with absorbent material. This package should be placed inside a second container with frozen gel packs or dry ice. Overnight service is recommended. Ideally, the sample should be cool upon arrival.

Non-Heme Iron Test

Tissue such as heart, liver, spleen, kidney, or lung should be harvested and placed in a plastic Ziploc bag, sealed, and frozen at -20°C. Frozen bags of tissue should be packed in a leak-proof container with absorbent material. This package should be placed inside a second container with dry ice. Overnight service is recommended. Ideally, the sample should be frozen upon arrival.

Dog and Cat Blood Typing Tests

The specimen for this test should be whole blood collected into an EDTA tube (purple top tube) and refrigerated at 4°C. Wrap EDTA tube in bubble packing, place in a small Ziploc bag and then put in a Styrofoam container. Place a small refrigerated ice pack (NO frozen ice packs) on top of the EDTA tube, close the Styrofoam container, and secure with tape to seal shut. Overnight service is recommended. Ideally, the sample should remain cool upon arrival.