Download LA4 - Collection of Arterial Blood From Rabbits

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE (AEC)
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FORM
(For Domestic Fowl, Native Fauna/Wildlife, Domestic Livestock & Laboratory Animals)
Title of Procedure:
Collection of Arterial blood from Rabbits (LA4)
Objective:
To obtain sterile, unclotted rabbit blood for in vitro assays.
Details of Procedures:
To collect blood, mature rabbits are placed in individual restraining boxes for
held appropriately, wrapped in a towel. The hair is then shaved from an ear,
hyperaemia induced by application of moderate heat to the ear for one to
two minutes using a desk lamp, and a 20-gauge needle inserted into the
central ear artery. Up to 50ml of blood is collected as required. Bleeding from
the arterial puncture is stopped by mild pressure and the ear is washed with
70% ethanol in water. After drying the ear, apply a salve such as hibitane
cream.
Drug, Chemicals or Biological Agents:
70% ethanol
Care of Animals after the Procedure:
Return animal(s) to their cage(s) and ensure water, feed and quiet are
available. Use alternate ears if repeating the procedure.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills or Training Necessary to Perform this
Procedure:
Knowledge of rabbit behaviour and a demonstrated ability to handle the
species and perform the technique are necessary prerequisites.
Effects of Procedure on Wellbeing of Animals:
The procedure should be well tolerated. It is not possible to induce systemic
shock or heath by bleeding through the ear artery. Provided mature animals
are well and on an adequate level of nutrition (and not pregnant), blood can
be collected from an individual once every 14 days.
Pain Relief Measures:
Nil
References:
Nil
Prepared by: Ruth Tremont (UNE Director of Animal Welfare), 1993 with
reference to the CSIRO Division of Animal Production and Division of Animal
Health, Armidale NSW Compendium of Approved Procedures, 1992
Reviewed by: A/Prof Steve Walkden-Brown (Environmental and Rural Science),
2006