Sampling instruments setup

Learn how to choose the correct venipuncture site and prepare all essential instruments for safe, efficient blood sampling in dogs and cats. This session covers jugular, cephalic, and lateral saphenous approaches, along with proper clipping, aseptic preparation, and needle selection.

Session summary

• Identify the three main sampling sites: select between the jugular vein, cephalic vein, and lateral saphenous vein based on required blood volume and patient condition.

• Choose the appropriate site for volume needs: understand when to use the jugular vein for larger samples and when leg veins are preferred.

• Prepare the sampling area: clip the site cleanly using size 40 clippers, avoiding skin trauma, and perform thorough aseptic preparation.

• Use correct antiseptic technique: apply chlorhexidine swabs followed by alcohol swabs, typically in three cleaning cycles for optimal skin disinfection.

• Select suitable syringes and needles: choose syringe size according to the intended sample volume and use commonly preferred 21G (green) needles for smooth flow and minimal haemolysis.

• Handle sample tubes correctly: transfer blood into EDTA tubes, serum tubes (with or without gel), or other containers depending on the diagnostic tests required.

• Prepare for practical demonstration: build familiarity with equipment and workflow before moving on to live sampling techniques.