Obtaining blood samples from laboratory animals is a commonly performed procedure. A variety of techniques are used depending on factors such as the species and the amount of blood required.
Policy concerning obtaining blood in rats and mice by orbital bleeding is covered separately.
Concerns related to obtaining blood samples relate primarily to the possibility that excessive frequency and volume of blood withdrawals could directly affect animal health and well being. Anesthesia by venipuncture in such species as cats, dogs, rabbits, pigs, and sheep and other animals where it is possible and routine to do so easily, safely, and with minimal restraint. Bleeding procedures likely to pose safety or injury risks, such as bleeding nonhuman primates, should be performed with appropriate anesthesia or chemical restraint. Alternatively, in nonhuman primates if repeated bleeding over long periods of time is required, consideration should be given to training animals to present their rear limbs for venipuncture to reduce fear and the risk of injury. An animal may be bled out completely if done as a terminal procedure under general anesthesia.