AUTOMATIC BLOOD-SAMPLING EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN STUDIES OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

A device for the collection of discrete blood samples from large anima ls has been developed to allow studies of physiology to be undertaken without the confounding effect of restraint. A microprocessor controll ed unit (measuring 180 X 110 X 90 mm), weighing less than 1.2 kg, is m ounted on the back of the experimental subject using a simple harness. A sampling line is connected to a previously inserted jugular vein ca theter. Samples of blood (approx. 5 ml) are collected at pre-determine d times following a start time which can be delayed by up to 48 h to a llow the subject to recover from any effects of attachment of the samp ler. The results from three studies suggest that the device offers a n ovel way to overcome a number of difficulties which occur when convent ional methods are used to collect blood in experiments.