DREXEL UNIVERSITY ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE
POLICY ON COLLECTION OF MURINE TAIL TISSUE FOR DNA
ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE: To define the conditions under which anesthesia is a requirement for mice
from which tail tissue is being collected for DNA analysis. (Note: The investigator should
consider alternatives to tail biopsy for DNA analysis. For example, if mice are ear
notched for identification, the tissue removed may be sufficient for DNA analysis and
eliminate the need for this procedure.)
RESPONSIBILITY: The Investigator is responsible for ensuring that each individual
obtaining tail samples from mice follows this policy.
PROCEDURE:
I.
Tail biopsy of young mice is less painful due to the delayed calcification of bone
in the tail area. Therefore, sampling of younger mice is preferred. No anesthesia
is required if:
An animal is younger than 21 days of age and no more than 10 mm of tissue is
being collected from the tip of the tail. In most cases, 5 mm of tissue is sufficient
for analysis.
II.
Scientific justification in the protocol and general anesthesia is required if tail
sampling is conducted under any ONE of these conditions:
A.
The animal is older than 21 days.
B.
More than 10 mm of tissue is taken.
C.
Tissue is being collected from an animal more than once.
III.
Application of a topical anesthetic (i.e., Bupivicaine) should be performed
following the amputation of the tail tip to relieve pain associated with this
procedure.
IV.
Pressure on the open wound or use of a chemical coagulant should be used to
ensure hemostasis following amputation of the tail tip.
V.
Tail sample collection should be performed only once or a maximum of twice.
Reference:
Picazo MG, García-Olmo DC, DNA from tissues of young mice is optimal for
genotyping, (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2014.12.002
Morales MEP, Gereau RW IV (2009) The Effects of Tail Biopsy for Genotyping on
Behavioral Responses to Nociceptive Stimuli. PLoS ONE 4(7): e6457.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0006457
Date approved: December 2003
Last review date: February 2015