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The sites for obtaining blood samples in snakes include the ventral tail vein, the palatine vein and cardiocentesis.  Restraint is by gentle, careful handling or by chemical means. Asepsis is extremely important during blood collection and the site of collection should be prepared as if for surgery. Prior to collection it is important to have all materials and equipment ready: cotton wool, antiseptic (chlorhexidine or a povidone-iodine detergent), needle and syringe of suitable sizes, and the blood handling materials.

The sites for obtaining blood samples in snakes include the ventral tail vein, the palatine vein and cardiocentesis.  Restraint is by gentle, careful handling or by chemical means. Asepsis is extremely important during blood collection and the site of collection should be prepared as if for surgery. Prior to collection it is important to have all materials and equipment ready: cotton wool, antiseptic (chlorhexidine or a povidone-iodine detergent), needle and syringe of suitable sizes, and the blood handling materials.

==Ventral tail vein==

==Ventral tail vein==

*With the mouth opened the palatine veins can be visualised.

*With the mouth opened the palatine veins can be visualised.

*Care is necessary in restraint and haemorrhage must be considered. This can be controlled by applying pressure with a cotton-tipped applicator that has been adrenalinised.

*Care is necessary in restraint and haemorrhage must be considered. This can be controlled by applying pressure with a cotton-tipped applicator that has been adrenalinised.

[[Image:Take_blood.jpg|350px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Take_blood.jpg|350px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]

==Cardiocentesis==

==Cardiocentesis==

Cardiocentesis is an atraumatic procedure under sedation that gives sufficient amounts of blood for analysis.

Cardiocentesis is an atraumatic procedure under sedation that gives sufficient amounts of blood for analysis.