4 Life Technologies | Animal Health
Preparation
Do not take samples from animals in extensively overcrowded pens—pigs may panic
and hurt each other or the veterinarian during sampling.
Make sure animals are properly restrained in an appropriate fashion by a
competent person.
• Ensure there is enough light in the work area.
• Wear ear plugs or ear defenders.
• In case of pulse feeding (e.g., liquid feeding systems), do not take blood for at least
1 hour after feeding to avoid chylous serum.
• Use a sterile needle of a diameter and length appropriate to the weight of the pig.
• Use a new needle for each pig.
• Use a sterile blood collection tube for each pig (5–12 mL).
• Tubes may contain Na-heparin or Li-heparin but should NOT contain calcium salts if
the sample is for PCR testing.
Sampling technique
1. Puncture the vena cava cranialis (piglets) or vena jugularis externa (adults).
2. Slowly withdraw 4–8 mL of blood; avoid an excessive vacuum in the tube and high
blood flow, as this can cause hemolysis.
3. Carefully remove the needle from the tube and use the designated cap to close
the tube.
Growers/finishers
Weaners Sucklers
