Submitting samples to the laboratory for analysis
As preventative medicine gets ever more important in the poultry industry we are more reliant on samples being submitted for analysis. The accuracy of the results produced is often closely linked to the quality of the samples taken. Thus we depend on our clients helping us so that we may give them scientific data upon which they can rely.
Blood Samples
Routine serological monitoring is useful when approaching vaccination programmes. It is normal protocol to submit samples from at least ten birds for serology, but twenty samples per house gives a more representative profile. However, if several poultry houses were present on one site we would recommend ten samples from each house.
We also advise that blood samples are taken at the end of the production cycle in broiler flocks. This allows full antibody formation. In commercial layers, continue sampling and storage of sera at arrival on the laying farm and at 30, 40 and 50 weeks can be very useful if a late disease challenge occurs.
In the lobby area of our poultry department there are blood-sampling kits. If you are unable to travel to York, Sutton Bonington or Hereford, Val, Janice, Zoe or Charlotte will be more than willing to post the kits to you.
Technique
Assuming it is not desirable to euthanase the bird, the brachial (wing) vein is usually used. The vein runs on the underside of the wing between the shoulder and elbow. It may become more obvious if a few feathers are plucked from the site. It is advocated by some to collect a blood sample with a needle and syringe. However, bird veins are very delicate and will frequently collapse when the suction of a syringe is applied. This will often damage the red blood cells. An easier technique is to stab the vein with a sharp, clean size 11A scalpel blade. This will allow blood to drip out of the vein. The open tube should be pressed up close to the nick to collect the blood with the minimum of contamination. The tube edge should not be scraped excessively against the skin as this does deposit fat into the blood sample. This is not desirable. Lowering of the bird's wing will subsequently stop the bleeding from the sampling site. Once the tube is half full the cap should be replaced and the tube placed on its side for at least five minutes until a clot forms. This allows easy removal of the serum back at the laboratory. Ideally the samples should reach the practice within 24hours. If there is any delay the samples should be refrigerated but not frozen.
To blood test your birds you will need:
- Blood tubes and lids
- A fine scalpel or needle
- Blood Testing sample submission form
- Select at least 10 birds per house
- Half fill the blood tube, replace the cap and lay it on its side for 5 minutes until a clot has formed
- Complete the paperwork and please, do not put directly in the bag with samples
- Return to the lab ASAP but avoid posting on Friday or Saturday
Submission forms, packing and labelling.
All the samples submitted for analysis must be correctly identified and accompanied by a submission form. You can acquire a submission form from the Hereford or York Practice. If it is not possible for you, we can post, email or fax a template. You can also click the Download Forms button at the end of this section. If this is not practical, a blank piece of paper with you name, address and telephone number would be necessary. An e-mail address would also be helpful. Other useful information that would help in the diagnosis includes: the age of the birds submitted, the species and breed, vaccination history and the reason for submission.
Please Note: When biological samples are sent through the post they should comply with Post Office/Royal Mail regulations.
Downloads
You may need to download and install Adobe Reader to view these files.
