UCSF Animal Care & Use Program

BLOOD COLLECTION: THE RABBIT

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 more frequent intervals of 24 hours or more. The 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 ml Every 2-4 Weeks Estimated Volume at Exsanguination

3 kg 225 ml 22.5 ml 112.5 ml

Use aseptic technique.
If not experienced in blood collection techniques, training is recommended. If you have questions or comments about any of the above techniques, contact an LARC veterinarian @ 476-2204.

Collection Site	Advantages	Disadvantages
Marginal Ear Vein	Anesthesia not required Vein is easily accessed Yields small - moderate quantities of blood	Must be securely restrained Some specialized equipment is needed Topical anesthetic is recommended
Central Ear Artery	Large quantities of blood can be collected	Topical anesthesia is strongly recommended (due to the possibility of arterial spasm) Training recommended
Lateral Saphenous Vein	Anesthesia not required Collection of small quantities of blood	Training recommended Some specialized equipment needed
Cephalic Vein	Anesthesia not required Collection of small quantities of blood	Training recommended Some specialized equipment needed
Jugular Vein	Large quantities of blood can be collected	Anesthesia is recommended Requires specialized training
Anterior Vena Cava	Maximum quantity of blood can be collected	Requires anesthesia Requires skill Risk of cardiac tamponade
Cardiac Puncture	Maximum quantity of blood can be collected	Requires deep anesthesia Non survival procedure

Page Updated: January 2003