How to do Intravenous (I.V. or IV) Injection?
Materials:
A 25-gauge or smaller needle
A 1-cc syringe
70% ethanol wipes
Methods:
The iv injection has been widely used for drug delivery and generation of pulmonary metastases. Tail veins of the mouse are most commonly used for intravenous injection. They are readily visible especially after alcohol cleans the skin. Warming a mouse by putting it under heating light or warming its tail directly by soaking it in hot water (40-45ºC) will dilate the veins to facilitate the injection. To perform the procedure, place the mouse in a mouse holder, disinfect the tail with 70% ethanol, hold the tail firmly, insert a small-gauge (25-gauge or smaller, attached to a syringe) needle with its bevel up through the skin and into the lumen of the vein, advance the tip in the vein about half centimeter to ensure it not to slide out of the vein, push the plunger of the syringe slowly and smoothly. If the insertion of the needle into the vein is successful, there should be no resistance felt as the material is given, and the blood in the vein can be seen to be washed away. Retract the needle and apply pressure to the injection site to ensure hemostasis.
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