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Highgate Veterinary Clinic

173 Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4EN
01539 721344
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Collecting and Transporting Samples
Total Bacterial Count (TBC)
/Bactoscan Investigation 		Mastitis Bacteriology
Investigation 		Somatic Cell Counts
KIT
Polystyrene box, ice packs,
sterile sample pots.
Ice bricks must be frozen
on receipt.		 Sterile sample pots
Chinagraph pencil for marking pots.		 Sample pots containing preservative. bulk tank dippers
boxes for returning samples
chinagraph pencil.
POTS
One marked sample per tank. Write each sample/quarter on the pot. Each pot must have a cow number and contain preservative.
HYGIENE
Keep out dirt
and other contaminents.
Do not touch sample with fingers. 		Keep out dirt
and other contaminents.
Do not touch sample with fingers.

Keep out dirt
and other contaminents.
Do not touch sample with fingers.
TAKING THE SAMPLE
Agitate tank for 2 minutes.
Ensure temperature is below 4oC.
Use sterile dipper -
or dip pot into tank using gloved hand.
Refrigerate sample until sending.		 Collect immediately before milking.
Clean/dry using paper towels.
Discard 1 or 2 streams, then take sample.
Fill bottle 1/2 full.
Do not let teat or your fingers touch the rim. Replace cap tightly. 		Collect from mixed milk on one milking.
Agitate milk sample for 15 seconds.
Allow the milk down the line.
Milk meters used in clean line will take samples throughout milking which can then be collected in pots.
BULK SAMPLE
Agitate bulk tank for 2 minutes.
Use clean dipper. Clearly identify sample.
SENDING
Place pots in polystyrene box between 2 ice packs provided.
Fill spaces with polystyrene chips.
Include paperwork.
Send by 1st class or recorded delivery.		 Refrigerate sample to +4°C.
Post first class to laboratory.
Or freeze immediately and store until dispatched as a batch to the lab.		 Pack securely in boxes provided.
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© Highgate Veterinary Clinic, United Kingdom, 2009