Femoral venipuncture for collection of multiple blood samples in the nonanesthetized rat.

A technique for blood collection via the femoral vein was developed for use in nonanesthetized rats. The technique was useful for single or serial blood collection. Volumes of 0.1 to 1 ml were collected for serum biochemical or venous blood gas determinations. The technique was effective, reproducible, did not require anesthesia, and was less stressful than other methods of blood collection in the rat.