Methods of Blood Collection in the Mouse

for a wide variety of scientific studies, and there are a number of efficient methods available. It is important to remember that blood collection, because it can stress the animals, may have an impact on the outcome of research data. In addition, it is extremely important that those who collect blood become skilled in the techniques they employ, and seek to stress the mice as little as possible. Drawing from experience, personal communication, and published resources1-4, the following techniques are described: • Blood collection not requiring anesthesia: –Saphenous vein –Dorsal pedal vein • Blood collection requiring anesthesia: –Tail vein –Orbital sinus –Jugular vein • Terminal procedures: –Cardiac puncture –Posterior vena cava –Axillary vessels –Orbital sinus