What is the guideline for sampling blood regarding the total blood volume in animals?

The guideline that dictates the maximum allowable volume of blood that can be sampled from an animal is crucial for ensuring the health and welfare of the animal. The correct guideline states that no more than 1% of an animal's body weight can be taken every two weeks. This limit ensures that the animal does not suffer from negative health effects associated with excessive blood loss, which can lead to anemia, decreased immune response, or even shock in extreme cases.

This guideline takes into consideration the overall health of the animal, its size, and its physiological ability to recover from blood loss. Sampling at this limit allows for necessary research and clinical testing while mitigating risk. The two-week time frame also provides a sufficient recovery period for the animal before additional blood sampling occurs.

Adhering to this standard is essential in laboratory settings to promote ethical treatment of animals and to align with regulatory requirements governing animal research. This helps ensure both the integrity of scientific research and the welfare of the animal subjects involved.