Fish Diseases and Management

Collection of blood

Blood should be collected as soon as possible once the fish is received. Place the fish on its side and insert the needle behind the anal fin at an angle forward until it touches the spinal cord. Constantly apply a negative pressure and reposition or rotate the needle to withdraw blood. Once blood start flowing keep the negative pressure constant and do not shake or change the position of the needle. Blood will continuously flow into the syringe. Prepare blood smear for further analysis. Make a thin film of blood (dealt separately in another exercise)