title: Comparison of a new device for blood sampling in cats with a vacuum tube collection system - plasma biochemistry, haematology and practical usage assessment.
abstract: Using paediatric devices to collect venous blood from a cephalic vein in cats offers numerous practical advantages over traditional jugular venepuncture and vacuum closed systems: minimal restraint is required; there is minimal risk of serious injury to the cat; the discomfort associated with venepuncture is reduced by the use of small diameter (25 gauge) needles; very small volumes (200 microl) of blood are extracted; and the risk of vein collapse or haematoma is low. The aim of this study was to compare the haematological and plasma chemistry results obtained from six healthy cats using the two sampling techniques. Five plasma biochemical analytes were measured and a complete haematological examination was performed on each specimen. No clinically relevant difference between the two blood sampling techniques was observed for any variable, indicating that paediatric devices provide a useful alternative to vacuum tubes for venous blood collection in the cat.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, National Veterinary School of Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87164, 31076 Toulouse cedex 03, France. b.reynolds@envt.fr
authors.forename: Brice S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.forename: Karine G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Boudet
authors.forename: Mathieu R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Faucher
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Germain
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Geffre
authors.forename: Herve P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D002415:Cats / Q000097:blood*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D008297:Male