Animal Research

    Saphenous Vein Blood Collection - Hamsters

    Saphenous vein blood collection as described below will be used as long as it is consistent with adequate veterinary care and the research model.

    Consideration of Alternatives

    Saphenous vein blood collection is not considered a painful or distressful procedure. 

    Acceptable Collection Volumes

    A maximum of 10% of total blood volume may be collected weekly.  The volume of sterile saline equivalent to the amount of blood collected should be administered subcutaneously to rehydrate the hamster.

    Rodent Satellite Holding Facilities

    Operational Requirements for Rodent Satellite Holding Areas

    These requirements are considered the minimum standards for holding rodents outside of a Yale Animal Resources Center (YARC)-managed facility for greater than 24 hours and less than 8 days. This information is consistent with YARC SOPs. Unless a deviation to these requirements is specifically approved by the IACUC, compliance with these standards is expected. Please see the “Satellite Housing” policy for more information.

    Rodent Satellite Housing Facilities

    Operational Requirements for Rodent Satellite Housing Facilities

    These requirements are considered the minimum standards for maintaining rodents outside of a Yale Animal Resources Center (YARC)-managed space for greater than 8 days or permanently. This information is consistent with YARC SOPs. Unless a deviation to these requirements is specifically approved by the IACUC, compliance with these standards is expected. Please see the “Satellite Housing” policy for more information.

    Xenopus Oocyte Harvest

    Xenopus oocyte harvest is a performed when the milking of frogs is not possible and carries the potential to damage oocytes. Therefore, surgery is necessary for the removal and collection of the oocytes.

    Procedure Preparation

    1. As per Yale IACUC Policy Transportation of Animals (Intra), animals are transported to the room where the procedure will be performed.

    2. The work space will be organized with all tools needed to minimize manipulation of the animal.

    Rodent Identification and Genotyping

    Identification and genotyping of live transgenic animals is critical to the efficient pursuit of research and reducing the number of animals involved in a research project. For more specific details regarding the procedures below, refer to the associated policy.

    Any of the individual procedures described below may be used as long as each is consistent with adequate veterinary care and the research model. These procedures do not cause more than momentary/transient pain or distress.

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