EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES (cont)
Cardiac puncture for blood sampling or exsanguinations in the rabbit should be done under anesthesia. A rabbit board may be used for positioning the animal on its back. The puncture site must be prepped and the procedure done under aseptic conditions if the animal is to survive the bleeding.
An 18 – 22 gauge 1 ½ inch long needle may be used for collecting blood from the heart. The heart is palpated and the needle inserted at a 30 -45 degree angle just behind and to the left of the xiphoid process of the sternum.
When the needle is in the heart the heartbeats are transmitted to the needle and syringe as a gentle vibration. The blood is withdrawn slowly without excessive back pressure. Another approach for cardiac puncture is thru the third intercostal space on the left anterior chest.