Blood samples are drawn when an animal is admitted to the California Marine Mammal Center. These samples are sent to a laboratory for complete blood counts and serum chemistry analysis.  Blood is taken from animals as often as indicated during rehabilitation.

When the animals are clinically normal, blood is drawn one to two weeks prior to release.  Complete blood cell counts and serum chemistries are obtained.

Thirty California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), 25 northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and 15 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are included in this study. The results of the complete blood cell counts and serum chemistry parameters from the blood samples taken prior to release will be discussed.