A new approach for obtaining blood samples from pigs.

To determine the site of venipuncture in the right jugular fossa of swine, a new orientation method, using a pair of imaginary lines and established anatomic landmarks, was developed. Using this method, blood samples were obtained rapidly from the brachiocephalic veins of 155 15- to 137-kg swine. Samples were of sufficient quantity and quality to provide excellent specimens for herd health maintenance and diagnostic tests. Major adverse reactions were not observed in any pig from which a sample was taken.