Lateral tail vein blood collection is not used in which rodent species?

• A. Hamsters
• B. Mice
• C. Rats
• D. Gerbils

Answer: (A)

The ability to use a lateral tail vein for blood collection depends on having a visible, superficial vein along the tail that can be accessed safely. In mice and rats, the tail vessels are well developed and relatively easy to visualize and puncture after warming, making this a common method for small-volume blood draws. Gerbils can sometimes be accessed via tail veins as well, though it can be more technically challenging than in mice or rats.

Hamsters, however, typically have a very short tail with skin and tissue that obscure the veins, increasing the difficulty and risk of hematoma or tail injury if attempting lateral tail vein puncture. For this reason, lateral tail vein collection is not used in hamsters; alternative sites such as other superficial veins or non-vein routes are preferred, depending on the animal welfare guidelines and the volume required.