In order to comply with government regulations (PHS and USDA) and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC-I) and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and standard veterinary care techniques, UConn Health's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has implemented a policy concerning retro-orbital eye bleeding.

Action

• Investigators should consult with the Center for Laboratory Animal Care standard operating procedures regarding retro-orbital plexus bleeding. Investigators should be proficient in the procedure or receive assistance from the CCM veterinarians.
• All animals must be appropriately anesthetized prior to performing the procedure unless exempted by the CCM veterinarian/Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
• Mouse: Maximum blood collection volumes:
  • Weekly sampling (0.6% body weight) - 50 μL (25 g mouse)
  • Biweekly sampling (0.8% body weight) - 200 μL (25 g mouse)
• Rat: Maximum blood collection volumes:
  • Biweekly sampling (no fluid replacement, 1.25%) - 3.1 mL (250 g rat)
  • Biweekly sampling (fluid replacement, 1.5%) - 3.7 mL (250 g rat)
• Multiple retro-orbital plexus bleeding requires the use of alternate eyes each time the procedure is used.
• No bleeding may be performed from a damaged eye. In the event that both eyes are damaged, eye bleeding must cease.
• Volumes greater than the maximum volumes listed above require scientific justification and prior approval by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.