November 3, 2024
National AALAS 2024 -- In the realm of animal research, the process of blood collection is a crucial step for obtaining necessary data required in the drug development process. Although each individual collection may seem relatively small, the cumulative impact may become significant when multiple time points or multiple blood samples are required. This rapid accumulation may result in a continuous loss of red blood cells (RBC) without adequate replenishment, ultimately leading to acute anemia in animals. This could potentially influence study data. The consequences of anemia and/or iron deficiency, stemming from continuous blood loss, manifest in various clinical observations such as lethargy, fatigue, pale mucous membranes and more. It is noteworthy that the stress induced by repeated collections alone can contribute to these symptoms. Most importantly, these clinical signs may erroneously be attributed to the test article rather than recognizing them as outcomes of the routine demands for data collection. Larger study designs, such as toxicokinetic (TK) studies may require higher blood volumes collected more frequently, increasing the possibility of these consequences. To address this issue and uphold the optimal health and safety of laboratory animals, we propose the implementation of an evidence-based approach. Specifically, we advocate for supplementing animals with an iron-rich treat immediately after blood collection. This implementation serves a dual purpose – rewarding the animals for positive behavior during the collection process and efficiently replenishing the lost RBC. By doing so, we aim to mitigate the possible adverse effects of repeated blood collections, ensuring accurate research outcomes while prioritizing the well-being of the laboratory animals.
