Decapitation
- Technique
- Summary
- Resources and references
- Decapitation sampling in other animals
- All blood sampling techniques in the guinea pig
Please read the general principles of blood sampling page before attempting any blood sampling procedure.
Technique
This technique should only be used in rare circumstances with exceptional scientific justification. In the UK this technique is not a Schedule 1 method of euthanasia and therefore personal and project licence authority is required.
Trunk blood is collected from the site where the animal is decapitated. It should be noted there is a risk of contamination from other body fluids and tissues. Training for decapitation should be undertaken on dead animals.
Summary
| Number of samples | One |
| Blood volume | Up to 10 ml |
| Equipment | Suitable sharp instrument to decapitate (e.g. guillotine or sharp scissors). |
| Staff resource | One person is required to take the blood sample. |
| Other | A high level of expertise is required for this technique. |
Resources and references
For more information on this protocol and whether it is appropriate for your scientific purposes, please consult your department's named veterinary surgeon
Decapitation sampling in other animals
All blood sampling techniques in the guinea pig
