• Too much blood collected at any one time may cause hypovolemic shock, physiological stress and even death. If smaller volumes are collected too frequently, anemia may result.
• As a general rule, 10% of the total blood volume can be collected at one time every 2-4 weeks. Or 1% at intervals of 24 hours or more. Total blood volume can be calculated as approximately 7.5% of body weight.
• The estimated volume at exsanguination is approximately half of the total blood volume.

EXAMPLE:

Average Adult Weight	Total Blood Volume	Maximum Sample in mls 2-4 Weeks	Estimated Exsanguination Volume
6 kg	450 ml	45 ml	225 ml

• If you are not experienced in blood collection techniques, trainingtraining is available.

Collection Site	Advantages	Disadvantages
Femoral Vein	Maximum volume of blood can be collected	Training is required Anesthesia required
Femoral Artery	Maximum volume of blood can be collected	Training is required Anesthesia required
Saphenous Vein	Collection of small to moderate blood sample only	Training is required Anesthesia required