Retro Orbital Bleed/Injections

In the past the IACUC has approved collection of blood samples from the orbital sinus in rodents, with the requirement that the animals be anesthetized. An alternative technique is available in which blood is collected from the saphenous vein. This technique has the advantages that the animals do not have to be anesthetized, repeated samples can be taken from the same site, and the risk of injury to the animal is very small. The IACUC now strongly recommends that the saphenous vein technique be used and will require additional justification for use of the retro orbital bleed/injections accompanied with analgesia.