A novel device for serial venous blood sampling in a canine model

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Analytical Chemistry
• Animal Physiology

Background:

• Serial venous blood sampling can cause stress, leading to artifactual changes in analytical results.
• Repeated manual venipuncture is invasive and can induce stress responses in animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a wearable automated serial blood sampling device in a canine model.
• To assess the device's efficacy in measuring cortisol levels and its impact on animal behavior and blood parameters during prolonged sampling.

Main Methods:

• Automated serial blood sampling from the jugular vein was performed in two Beagle dogs over 22-hour periods.
• Blood samples were analyzed for routine cell counts and chemistries, including cortisol levels.
• Animal behavior, catheter durability, and vascular system tolerability were monitored.

Main Results:

• No behavioral changes or stress-related deviations in blood cell counts and cortisol levels were observed.
• The device performed well and was tolerated by the animals.
• Minor erythema at catheter sites was noted, consistent with indwelling catheters.

Conclusions:

• The wearable automated serial blood sampling device effectively minimizes stress-related artifacts in blood analysis.
• This technology offers significant benefits for serial blood sampling in veterinary, clinical, and preclinical research settings.
• Samples collected using this device are free from stress signatures common in repeated venipuncture protocols.