Animal models for blood transfusion: a model for sterile blood sampling in the rat

Rat blood is frequently used for experimental transfusion. However, no data are available concerning the quality of the blood used, although bacterial contamination could severely alter results. To obtain large quantities of sterile rat blood for a transfusion study, we tested carotid artery cannulation, known as a standard procedure. Blood cultures from the collected blood showed polymicrobial overgrowth even after sterility measures were improved. In contrast, the puncture of the abdominal aorta proved to be a simple and reliable method for the collection of sterile blood. We conclude that studies using blood collected from donor rats should be controlled and the quality of such blood be tested before transfusion.