Experimental procedures on animals

4 important questions on Experimental procedures on animals

Why are blood samples are take for animals:

  1. For analysis of biochemical, metabolic, toxicological or immunological parameters
  2. exmination or culture of micro-organisms
  3. production of antibodies

What is the total blood volume of animals?

Mice have around 72 ml/kg
  • weight 25 g, so 1.8 ml


Rats have 64 ml/kg
  • weight 300 g, so 19,2 ml


10% of total blood volume can be safely removed  with fluid replacement (saline) of 15% (should be given subcateously and warm)

Why is the loss of blood volume not the main issue for multiple sampling?

Blood volume is restored after 24h, however other blood components may not be restored for several weeks
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How can blood be sampled?

  1. Tail vein
  2. facial vein
    • less clean as it comes in contact with fur
  3. orbite puncture
    • eyes
    • used on small rodents
    • under anethesia
    • clean blood --> directly
    • less invasive due to no blood loss
  4. saphenous vein (leg)
    • commonly used in rodents
    • no anethesia
    • can be clean (fur shaved)
  5. dorsal pedal vein
    • paw
    • small amount
    • invasive
  6. marginal ear vein
    • collection of blood in rabbits --> easy accessible and visible
    • no anethesia
  7. cardiac puncture
    • large amounts
    • directly from heart
    • always under anaesthesia
    • only when terminating experiment
  8. exanguination
    • maximum amount of blood
    • decapitation or puncturing the aorta
  9. Cannulation
    • producers where after painless and stress-less sampling can take place
    • wel uitend for daily sampling
    • discomfort only for the surcigy
    • aseptic techniques

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