IACUC
Blood Collection
Suggested tips for collecting blood samples from animals:
- Volume of blood collected not to exceed 1% of body weight over a 2 week period
- A single blood draw should not exceed 0.5% of body weight
- Peripheral venipuncture is the preferred location
- Proper hemostasis is required
If experimental requirements necessitate exceeding the recommended blood volume, the clinical veterinarian should be consulted for measures to be taken to prevent hypovolemic shock and these measures must be included in the animal use protocol. Collection of blood from the retro-orbital area in rodents requires scientific justification and approval by the IACUC. If used, retro-orbital bleeding should be done under anesthesia. Cardiac puncture should be done only under anesthesia as part of a non-survival procedure. Proper hemostasis helps to eliminate unnecessary blood loss, as well as decrease potential pain caused by large clots and/or resulting inflammation.
