Why is it important to prepare my pet for blood collection?
Preparing your pet for a blood test helps to ensure that the results are as accurate and reliable as possible. Sometimes test results are abnormal only because the pet was not properly prepared. If your veterinarian suspects the results are unreliable, you may need to repeat the blood tests.
Is preparation the same for all blood tests?
No, blood tests can be grouped as routine tests and special tests. Preparation for these two types of tests is slightly different.
Routine tests provide an overview of an animal’s health and are done in healthy and sick pets. Any visit to your veterinarian could include a routine blood test. By having your pet properly prepared for each visit, you save time and money by reducing the need for repeat testing. See handouts “Complete Blood Count” and “Serum Biochemistry” for more information about these routine tests.
Special tests are done to investigate or monitor a specific problem. For example, veterinarians will want to monitor the blood sugar level in a diabetic pet, or test for drug levels in a pet on medication. Proper preparation for special tests is essential for accurate results.
How do I prepare my pet for routine blood collection?
You can prepare your pet for a routine visit to the veterinarian by doing the following things:
Gentle fasting. If possible, do not feed your pet for about six hours before your appointment. Fasting helps to clear the blood of lipemia (fat droplets that appear after eating). Lipemia can interfere with some blood tests and make the results difficult to interpret.
Keep water available. Even mild dehydration may change the test results, so be sure your pet has access to water before your visit to the veterinarian. Water is especially important in warm weather.
Avoid exercise and active play just prior to your visit. Physical activity can cause changes in test results, so exercise and active play should be avoided.
Minimize stress. If your pet is nervous or frightened, it may be difficult to reduce stress, but here are some suggestions for keeping them calm:
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times. On a leash, it is less likely your pet will be frightened or upset by other animals in the waiting room.
- Bring your cat in a carrier with something that smells like home, such as a blanket or toy. This helps your cat feel more secure and eliminates the risk of escape. Certain calming sprays, such as Feliway®, may also be helpful.
- Handle your pet calmly and quietly. Talking in a soothing voice may help to distract your pet and reduce anxiety.
- Consider waiting in your car. If the waiting room is crowded, you may wish to wait in your car with your pet to reduce excitement.
- Talk to your veterinarian about appointment timing. If your pet is highly excitable and your veterinarian is concerned this may affect blood test results, your appointment may be booked at a time when the clinic is quieter, potentially reducing stress on the pet.
How do I prepare my pet for a special blood test?
The preparation required for a special blood test depends on the test. For example, you may be asked to do any of the following things:
- Fast your pet strictly for 12 hours or more.
- Give medication at a specific or different time before your visit.
- Withhold medication before the blood sample is taken, even if it means delaying or skipping a dose.
Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions before your appointment. It is important that you follow these instructions exactly to ensure accurate test results.
