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

• Technique
• Summary
• Resources and references
• Retro-orbital technique in other animals
• All blood sampling techniques in the mouse

Technique

Also referred to as peri-orbital, posterior-orbital and orbital venous sinus bleeding. Retro-orbital bleeding should only be performed as a terminal procedure because of the severity of adverse effects that can occur with this technique, even in skilled hands (summarised below).

Blood is collected from the venous sinus. The mouse 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, ensure proper aseptic technique is used. The sample obtained is a mixture of venous blood and tissue fluid, and is not representative of venous blood.

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 technique in other animals

All blood sampling techniques in the mouse