This document is designed to provide general information on blood collection methods for common laboratory animals. All procedures must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The method of blood collection to be used, the intervals between blood collection procedures, and the volume of blood to be removed, must be listed in the approved protocol specific to each study.  The ULAM veterinary staff provides the following criteria to determine the maximum safe amount of blood to be withdrawn. It is recommended to take no more blood than is absolutely necessary. Remember to calculate beforehand the minimum amount of blood necessary to perform all tests and assays, and that the serum fraction is about ½ of the total blood volume. When calculating blood volumes based on body weights, remember that body weights in kilograms (kgs) will convert to blood volumes in liters, and weights in grams will convert to volumes in milliliters (mls).

To establish a standard procedure for euthanasia of a laboratory animal by ULAM veterinary staff when it is determined that euthanasia is the most humane treatment. Information is also provided on the appropriate means to communicate with laboratories regarding specific animal cases.