A simple method for blood exchange in mice.

Ease of transfusion and high long-term survival rate were obtained when whole blood was administered via the corpus cavernosum of the penis and removed from the orbital sinus of male C57Bl mice. When 2 volumes of blood are replaced approximately 14% of pre-transfusion red cells remain after hematocrit corrections are made. The post-transfusion hematocrit levels dropped 19%, probably the result of leakage, which is difficult to avoid.