How much blood is required? What are the blood collection requirements for OncoK9?

A total blood volume of 14-17mL collected in two Roche® cell-free DNA tubes is required. Each tube must be filled to above the minimum file line of 7mL to ensure adequate additive-to-blood ratio. If the minimum volume is not achieved for either tube, use a 21 gauge or larger bore needle and regular syringe to obtain the remaining required blood and top off the tube. To transfer the blood to the tube, uncap the tube, remove the needle, and deposit the blood directly from the syringe into the cell-free DNA tube to reduce hemolysis; do not insert the needle through the rubber stopper. Replace the cap and be sure to gently invert the sample at least 8-10 times. If topping off the tube, it must be filled within 15 minutes from initial tube puncture. Once sampling is complete, the OncoK9 sample must be kept at room temperature and has to be received at the PetDx laboratory within 7 calendar days from the sample draw, otherwise a redraw may be required.

OncoK9 is contraindicated in dogs smaller than 3.5 lbs/1.6kg, dogs that cannot safely have 14-17 ml of blood taken without fluid resuscitation, or dogs that are severely anemic (HCT <18-22%) weighing less than 7.3 lb/3.3kg.  For a list of contraindications to using OncoK9 along with sample handling considerations and other important information please see the Product Insert.

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• What in-clinic processing is required after blood sample collection for OncoK9?

  Your OncoK9 kit contains blood sample collection materials in addition to the specialized blood tubes. Once filled between the two black fill lines printed on the tubes’ label (a minimum of 7ml in each tube), blood tubes should be gently inverted ...

• What are Roche® cell-free DNA blood collection tubes?

  Roche cell-free DNA blood collection tubes are a direct draw tube. When used with an appropriate multi-sample needle (e.g. Vacutainer®), these sterile tubes rely on the vacuum within to draw blood from the vein. This system allows for the collection, ...

• Are you able to test bodily fluids other than blood?

  No, OncoK9 is only indicated for testing of canine blood samples collected into cell-free DNA blood collection tubes.

• Why does OncoK9 require more blood than standard laboratory tests?

  The test is looking for cell-free DNA fragments that are present at very low concentrations in plasma. OncoK9 requires a 14-17mL blood volume in order to obtain sufficient cell-free DNA from a sample to meet our stringent quality control ...

• What is the best method to obtain a blood sample from my patient?

  PetDx recommends using the provided multi-sample needle system (e.g. Vacutainer®) that allows for multiple blood collection tubes to be filled from a single needle stick, thereby causing less venous trauma. We have found that the 21 gauge Vacuette® ...