Insulin:Glucose Ratio blood test

[fuzzysmama]

Has anyone had this done? IDEXX labs have the test available with a 5-10 day turn around. From what I understand, they need 1mL of spun blood for this test which likely means taking 2mL from my tiny girl. That has me concerned as she’s between 1.5-1.8 lbs.

I’m thinking perhaps a CBC a week+ prior to make sure she’s not anemic..? But then, what’s the turn around time for blood cell replacement if we do that (the CBC) and go back later for the 2 mL draw? I just don’t want to harm her. From my understanding, 10% of body weight is the max a ferret can have safely drawn at one time.

Thanks!

[unclejoe]

CBC test should not be a problem if the draw is done properly. It's not that much blood. She may be a bit groggy for 3-4 hours, if there is anesthesia involved,  but I have had it done before and even tho the ferret was diagnosed with lymphoma he came around pretty quickly.
If your ferret is 1 1/2 lb, or 24 oz, that would be 2.4 oz of blood by WEIGHT, which is WAY more than 2 mL.
Think of it this way:  1 mL of water=1cc= 1 gram.  there are 28 grams in 1 oz of weight.  10% would amount to like 672 cc.