COMPARISON OF COAGULATION TEST-RESULTS FOR BLOOD-SAMPLES OBTAINED BY MEANS OF DIRECT VENIPUNCTURE AND THROUGH A JUGULAR-VEIN CATHETER IN CLINICALLY NORMAL DOGS

Objective-To determine whether coagulation test results for blood samp les obtained from heparinized jugular vein catheters in dogs are accur ate. Design-Prospective, controlled study. Animals-Fourteen clinically normal dogs. Procedure-Prothrombin time, activated partial thrombopla stin time, concentration of fibrin degradation products, and fibrinoge n concentration were measured in blood samples obtained by means of di rect jugular venipuncture and through an indwelling jugular vein cathe ter 0, 2, 8, 24, and 48 hours after catheter placement. Blood samples were collected from the catheter by means of a 2-syringe technique, wh ich involved discarding the first volume of blood collected. Results-F or all sample times, mean values for samples obtained from the jugular vein catheter were not significantly different from mean values for s amples obtained by means of venipuncture. Clinical Implications-Blood samples for coagulation tests may be obtained from jugular vein cathet ers up to 48 hours after catheter placement in clinically normal dogs.