We have recently received information that Goldenrod Animal Lancets work very well drawing blood from the Saphenous Vein of Rats and Guinea Pigs, better than a needle.  Goldenrod Lancets are also much less expensive than hypodermic needles. We recemmend using the 5mm point length.

Unanesthetized rats can be manually restrained for access to the saphenous vessel. One rear leg is isolated and a scalpel blade used to bluntly remove hair over the vessel. A small amount of Puralube ® ointment is applied topically prior to pricking the vein with the MEDIpoint’s lancet (Fig 1).  The Puralube ointment allows the blood drop to remain localized and away from the skin and hair on the leg (Fig 2).  Approximately 4 - 5 drops of whole blood (~100 µl) can then be directly collected into a collection tube, prior to sample analysis (Fig 3).   Blood flow can be stopped at any time by applying a compress to the site for a few moments.

We thank Stender RN, Engler WJP, Braun TM, and Hankenson FC for their work in using Goldenrod Animal Lancets on rats and the information and pictures on this page. For more information please see their article, “Establishment of Blood Analyte Intervals for Laboratory Mice and Rats by Use of a Portable Clinical Analyzer. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 46(3): 47-52, 2007.

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

MEDIpoint, Inc.

MEDIpoint International, Inc.