Decapitation
- Technique
- Summary
- Resources and references
- Decapitation sampling in other animals
- All blood sampling techniques in the rat
Please read the general principles of blood sampling page before attempting any blood sampling procedure.
Technique
This technique should only be used in exceptional circumstances. In the UK this technique is not a Schedule 1 method of euthanasia and therefore personal and project licence authority is required.
Trunk blood is collected from the site where the animal is decapitated. It should be noted there is a risk of contamination from other body fluids and tissues. Training for decapitation should be undertaken on dead animals.
Summary
| Number of samples | One |
| Sample volume | Up to 10 ml |
| Equipment | Suitable sharp instrument to decapitate (e.g. guillotine or sharp scissors). |
| Staff resource | One person |
| Other | A high level of expertise is required for this technique |
Decapitation sampling in other animals
All blood sampling techniques in the rat
