Drawing Blood: Chicken Sampling Techniques

As the use of chickens in biomedical research increases, so does the demand for technical skills involving poultry, such as venipuncture and phlebotomy (blood collection). Blood collection from chickens is an important diagnostic tool for determining morbidity and mortality causes and collecting other research-relevant data. This text will provide an overview of the process of taking a blood sample from a chicken, including the equipment required and the steps to take.

Explore related products

Bird DNA Gender Test Kit – Accurate Avian Sexing Using Feather or Blood – Includes 1 Prepaid Test – Easy Sample Collection – Trusted Lab Service Based in Florida

$19.99

How to position the chicken

To position the chicken for blood collection, you will need to work with an assistant. Ask them to hold the chicken horizontally on its back. The assistant should use one hand to hold the chicken's legs and place the other hand under the chicken's back to support it. This will help to keep the chicken stable and minimise stress.

If you are working without an assistant, there are modified procedures available that you can perform alone. However, it is generally safer and easier to work with a helper.

Once the chicken is in position, you can begin the blood collection process. It is important to handle the chicken gently and work quickly to minimise the bird's discomfort. Take care not to damage the vein, as this can result in haematomas.

Blood samples are typically taken from the brachial wing vein or cutaneous ulnar vein. The volume of blood collected will depend on the purpose of the sample and the size of the chicken, but it typically ranges from 1 to 3 millilitres.

How to puncture the vein

To begin the process of venipuncture, the chicken should be laid on its back. The person taking the blood sample should use one hand to hold the chicken's legs and the other to support its back. This will help to keep the chicken still and in a stable position.

To puncture the vein, it is important to handle the chicken gently and work quickly to minimise stress to the chicken and its owner. The brachial vein in the wing is commonly used for blood collection, as is the axillary vein. The person taking the sample should use their right hand to insert a needle into the chosen vein. Chicken veins collapse easily, so a gentle suction is required to withdraw the blood.

If a haematoma forms, the person should stop and try bleeding from the other wing to avoid damaging the vein. Once the required amount of blood has been collected, the needle should be removed and placed into a disposal container. Alternatively, if disposal containers are unavailable, the person should place the cap over the needle to prevent needle-stick injuries.

After removing the needle, apply pressure to the vein for a few seconds to stop any further bleeding. Then, pull the plunger back by approximately 1 cm and place the syringe at an angle with the needle pointing upwards in a rack to facilitate clotting.

How to collect the blood

To collect blood from a chicken, you will need an assistant to hold the chicken. They should place one hand on the chicken's legs and the other hand under the chicken's back to support it while it lies horizontally on its back. This will allow you to collect the blood sample with your free hand.

To collect the blood, you will need to use a syringe to draw blood from the chicken's vein. The brachial wing vein or cutaneous ulnar vein are common choices for blood collection. You can also use the intravital puncture method to collect blood from the axillary vein. Be sure to handle the chicken gently and collect the blood quickly to minimize stress and trauma to the chicken. Take care not to damage the vein as this can result in haematomas.

When bleeding the chicken, be patient and use gentle suction to withdraw the blood. Chicken veins collapse easily, so take care not to apply too much pressure. If a haematoma forms, try bleeding from the other wing. After removing the needle, apply pressure to the vein for a few seconds to stop any further bleeding. Dispose of the needle carefully in a needle disposal container, or if one is not available, place the cap over the needle to prevent needle stick injuries.

Finally, pull the plunger back slightly and place the syringe at an angle with the needle end up in a rack to facilitate clotting. This will help ensure that the blood sample remains intact for testing or analysis.

What to do after removing the needle

After removing the needle, it's important to take several careful steps to ensure the chicken's safety and prevent further bleeding. Here is a detailed guide on what to do after collecting a blood sample from a chicken:

Apply Pressure to the Vein

Use your finger or a gauze pad to apply gentle but firm pressure directly to the vein from which you drew blood. Hold it for at least 10-15 seconds to help stop any bleeding and reduce the risk of bruising.

Dispose of the Needle Properly

It is crucial to handle the used needle with extreme care to avoid needle stick injuries. If a needle disposal container is available, place the needle directly into it. If not, carefully place the cap back on the needle or syringe to prevent leakage and for safe disposal.

Prepare the Blood Sample for Storage or Testing

If you are collecting the blood sample for testing or analysis, transfer the blood from the syringe into a labelled test tube or vial. The amount of blood collected will vary depending on the test requirements, typically ranging from 1 to 3 millilitres.

Store or Transport the Sample Appropriately

If the blood sample needs to be transported to a laboratory, place it in a secure container to prevent breakage during transit. Keep the sample at the appropriate temperature, typically refrigerated or on ice, to maintain its integrity.

Monitor the Chicken Post-Procedure

After collecting the blood sample, observe the chicken for any signs of discomfort, bleeding, or adverse reactions. Ensure the chicken is able to recover comfortably and has access to food and water.

By following these steps, you can ensure the chicken's well-being and the integrity of the blood sample for any necessary testing or research purposes.

How to prevent stress and trauma to the chicken

To prevent stress and trauma to the chicken when taking a blood sample, there are several measures that can be taken. Firstly, it is important to be patient throughout the process and use gentle suction to withdraw the blood, as chicken veins collapse easily. This process should be as pain-free and stress-free as possible.

Before the procedure, ensure the chicken is comfortable with human interaction and handling. This can be achieved through a taming process, which has been shown to positively influence the bird's blood parameters, reducing indications of stress.

During the blood collection, it is important to use the correct equipment, such as an appropriate needle and syringe. The intravital puncture method is commonly used, taking blood from the axillary vein or brachial wing vein. The chicken should be restrained gently but securely, and local anaesthetic can be applied to the area before the needle insertion to minimise pain.

After the blood sample is collected, gentle pressure should be applied with a finger for a couple of minutes to stop any bleeding. This can also be achieved with a pressure or silver nitrate ointment/solution. The chicken should then be monitored to ensure no further bleeding occurs, and it is recovering normally.

Frequently asked questions