1. Prepare the Needle and Tube
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Use a new blood collection needle for each cow to prevent cross-contamination.
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Screw the Vacutainer needle onto the needle holder.
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Insert the tube into the holder until the stopper touches the back of the needle, but do not puncture the stopper yet.
2. Collect the Sample
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Lift the cow’s tail and locate the raised midline on the underside, approximately 3-6 inches from the base.
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Insert the needle about ½ inch deep, perpendicular to the tail.
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When blood appears near the tube stopper, push the tube fully onto the needle to create the vacuum.
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Keep the needle beneath the skin while the tube fills. If suction is lost, use a new tube and try again.
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Collect at least 2 cc (2 mL) of blood. Smaller samples cannot be tested.
3. Remove and Label the Sample
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Withdraw the needle and remove the tube from the holder.
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Place the used needle in an approved sharps container. Needle holders may be reused.
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Using a permanent marker, clearly write the animal’s ear tag ID on the tube label, not on the rubber stopper.
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Make sure the same ID appears on your submission form.
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Refrigerate samples until you are ready to ship them.