Saphenous vein blood collection for different immune analyses of living mice.

Abstract

Mouse blood extraction is a crucial technique in a wide range of scientific research, including immunological studies. Various blood sampling methods have been outlined and categorized based on factors such as sample volume, sampling frequency, and the necessity of anesthesia. However, the complexity of these techniques arises from the anatomy and size of the mouse, potentially impacting sample quality, endangering the mouse's well-being, and influencing its behavior and the accuracy of analytical results. In this context, the protocol for blood extraction from the saphenous vein of the leg is presented with the goal of minimizing stress in animals and ensuring the safe collection of samples of suitable quality and quantity for different immunological analyses. Thus, this presented technique aims to reduce analytical variations resulting from distress, inflammation, or the use of anesthesia, which might affect subsequent immunological studies.