• Technique
• Summary
• Resources and references
• Blood vessel cannulation technique in other animals
• All blood sampling techniques in the hamster

Please read the general principles of blood sampling page before attempting any blood sampling procedure.

Technique

Also referred to as peri-orbital, posterior-orbital and orbital plexus bleeding. Retro-orbital bleeding should typically be performed as a terminal procedure. It should only be used with recovery in rare circumstances with exceptional scientific justification (e.g. where a large blood volume is necessary or where peripheral veins are used for dosing), because of its potential impact on animal welfare.

Where its use is unavoidable, retro-orbital bleeding should only be used under general or terminal anaesthesia. Because of the severity of the adverse effects that can occur with this technique, even in skilled hands, it is essential that it is conducted only by staff members competent (practised) in the technique.

Blood is collected from the venous plexus. The hamster is restrained, the neck gently scruffed and the eye made to bulge. A capillary tube/pipette is inserted medially, laterally or dorsally. Blood is allowed to flow by capillary action into the capillary tube/pipette. The sample obtained is a mixture of venous blood and tissue fluid, and is not representative of venous blood.

Blood flow can be stopped by applying gentle finger pressure to the soft tissue. A finger should be placed over the closed eyelid for approx. 30 seconds

Following sampling, the animals should be euthanised via an appropriate schedule one method 

Summary

Resources and references

• Sharma A, Fish BL, Moulder JE, Medhora M, Baker JE, Mader M, Cohen EP (2014). Safety and blood sample volume and quality of a refined retro-orbital bleeding technique in rats using a lateral approach. Lab animal 43(2): 63
• Diehl KH (2001). A good practice guide to the administration of substances and removal of blood, including routes and volumes. Journal of applied Toxicology 21.1: 15-23
• Luzzi M, Skoumbourdis E, Baumans V, Conte A, Sherwin C, Kerwin A, Weilenmann RF. (2005). Collecting blood from rodents: a discussion by the laboratory animal refinement and enrichment forum. Animal Technology and Welfare 4(2): 99-102
• Hoff J (2000). Methods of blood collection in the mouse. Lab Animal 29:10
• Forbes N, Brayton C, Grindle S, Shepherd S, Tyler B, Guarnieri M (2010). Morbidity and mortality rates associated with serial bleeding from the superficial temporal vein in mice. Lab Animal Europe 10(9): 14-22

Retro-orbital sampling in other animals

All blood sampling techniques in the hamster