Site of Collection

Before collection of blood, the site of collection should be clipped of hairs, cleaned
and swabbed with antiseptics.

Animal
Cow
Horse
Sheep & Goat
Pig
Dog

Blood Collection Site

Sample
Volume

Needle size
(gauge)

Jugular vein
5 ml
Jugular vein
5 ml
Jugular vein
5 ml
Anterior vena cava, jugularvein, ear vein
5 ml
Cephalic vein, saphenous vein, femoral
2 ml
vein, jugular vein, heart*, recurrent
metatarsal vein
Cat
Cephalic vein, jugular vein, femoral vein,
2 ml
heart*, recurrent metatarsal vein
Poultry
Wing vein, cutaneous vein
2 ml
Mouse
Tail vein or artery, lateral saphenous vein
0.2-0.3 ml
heart*, orbital sinus**,
Rat
Saphenous vein, tail vein or artery, heart*
2 ml
orbital plexus**, lateral saphenous vein
Rabbit
Marginal ear vein (small amounts),
2-4 ml
auricular artery (large amounts), Heart*
* Heart puncture should be performed only on animals under anesthesia. It is
only as a terminal procedure.

18-20
16-18
18-20
20
20-22

22-24
23-24
23-24
23-24
22-24
recommended