A reliable method for repetitively bleeding rabbits from the central artery of the ear

A method is presented for repeatedly bleeding rabbits from the central ear artery. The use of hypodermic needle with the hub removed provides a smooth flow of blood and avoids the problem of clot formation in the hub. Blood can be obtained aseptically and free of hemolysis with little risk to the animal. Volumes of 35 ml can be obtained from an initial bleed, increasing to 100 ml from subsequent bleeds. Advantages of the method include reliability, minimal trauma to the animal, and little contamination of the sample.