Blood-sampling System
Promotes Safety
by Troy Smith for Angus Productions Inc.
The TEGO blood collection card from ITL Animal Healthcare offers an easy-to-use and cost-effective method for collecting, processing and storing bovine blood samples from the ear using a modified tag applicator.
DENVER, Colo. (Feb. 25, 2011) — The collection of blood samples for genetic testing, or for specific disease-testing purposes, can be a tedious process that’s not without risk to the safety of humans and cattle involved. The TEGO Bovine Blood Collection Kit was developed to increase the simplicity and safety of drawing blood samples, without compromising sample integrity. During the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show, beef producers had the opportunity to see how the product works
According to ITL Animal Healthcare, its TEGO sampling system provides for greater safety of animal handlers by reducing the risk of injury from needle sticks as well as the risk of injury from agitated cattle. Stress and potential injury to cattle during sampling is reduced through a passive and quick process for collecting blood from an animal’s ear.
A kit includes a disposable plastic device, which enshrouds a set of self-retracting blades. A special absorbent card fits within the device when it is applied to the animal’s ear using either style of Allflex® ear-tag applicator fitted with a TEGO adapter pin. When the device is applied, the blades make a small cut to raise blood for absorption by the card.
Once sufficient blood is collected, the device is pulled free of the ear and the labeled card bearing the blood sample is removed and placed within an envelope also provided in each kit. The system allows for shipment of blood samples through regular postal mail. Refrigeration is unnecessary. According to ITL Animal Healthcare, the system is compatible with existing laboratory processes.
For more information on the TEGO Bovine Blood Collection Kit, contact an ITL Animal Healthcare representative at 1-888-411-2851, or visit www.itlanimalhealthcare.com.
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