UT Southwestern IACUC Policy                                                          IACUC  # 137

Approval Date:_2/28/07__                                                                           1 of 1

Blood Collection on Rats

Rationale:

To avoid complications such as hemorrhagic shock and to minimize pain and distress to the rats, blood collection procedures must be carried out within recommended guidelines.

Policy:
For all blood collections:

• All blood collection techniques used on mice must be listed in the IACUC approved animal protocol.
• A maximum of 1% of the animal’s body weight may be collected in a two week period without providing replacement fluids.  For a 300 gram rat, this equals 3 ml of blood.
• Personnel performing the blood draw must be trained in the appropriate technique.
• Bleeding must be stopped before the animal is returned to its cage.
• Blood collection techniques must follow the ARC “Rat Blood Collection” SOP.
  

Applicability:

This policy applies to all blood collections performed on rats.

Exceptions:

Exceptions must be clearly described and justified in an IACUC approved animal use protocol.

Contact Information:

For any additional questions, please contact the IACUC Manager at 5-6420.