A Single-Operator Jugular Vein Sampling Method for Repeated Blood Collection in Conscious Rats

Area of Science:

• Preclinical research
• Animal models
• Pharmacology and Toxicology

Background:

• Jugular vein (JV) blood sampling is crucial for preclinical studies, but current methods lack convenience and pose safety risks.
• Existing techniques can result in variable sample quality, increased animal distress, and procedural inefficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, single-operator jugular vein blood sampling technique for conscious rats.
• To improve the safety, efficiency, and consistency of blood collection in rodent models.

Main Methods:

• Optimized animal restraint, puncture site identification, and standardized procedures for jugular vein sampling.
• Compared the new technique against conventional methods in terms of success rate, time, animal distress, and injury.
• Validated the technique's utility in glucose tolerance and acute kidney injury models.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 100% success rate and halved average sampling time compared to conventional methods.
• Significantly reduced puncture attempts, pain behaviors, and hemorrhagic injury.
• Maintained stable serum biochemical, coagulation, and hematologic parameters, preserving data consistency.

Conclusions:

• The developed single-operator technique offers a convenient, safe, and reliable alternative for repeated blood collection in conscious rats.
• This method enhances animal welfare and supports the generation of high-quality, reproducible data in preclinical research.
• The technique is suitable for various physiological and toxicological assessments.