Rat Blood Sampling Outside Cage

To take blood samples without touching the animal, catheterize the carotid artery or jugular vein and implant a Vascular Access Button™ (or order the animals with the buttons already in place). You can pair house the rats prior to the study start using the protective cap.

The NC3Rs organization recommends this technique when repeated samples are needed. 

To start the experiment, connect a KVABR1T/25-MBS tether kit that is primed with heparinized saline. The PE/PVC tubing used in this kit minimizes evaporation which can pull blood into the catheter tip, and the dead volume is less than 70µl. Sample from the PinPort™ at the top of the tether line using syringes fitted with PNP3M injectors. Your first syringe will hold mixed blood and saline, your second will take a pure sample, you will then return the mixed blood to the animal to minimize blood loss, and finish by flushing the line with sterile heparinized saline in a third syringe.

Optionally, if you are working with arterial pressure, collect directly into Sarstedt capillary tubes using the PNP3MS connector. The CB300 tube contains additives and can be placed directly into a centrifuge.

This procedure takes blood samples free from handling stress similar to an automated blood sampler, but using a human instead of a machine.

Watch a video demonstration of rat blood sampling from outside the cage.