[toggle title_open=”How does GentleSharp collect blood?” title_closed=”How does GentleSharp collect blood?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]GentleSharp does not collect blood in and of itself. GentleSharp is used to perform a needle insertion (venipuncture/arterial puncture) and requires the blood be collected with an alternative collection device, generally associated with small volume blood sampling. Some researchers have used GentleSharp for larger volume blood collections through the use of an over-the-needle catheter.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”How much blood volume can I collect with GentleSharp?” title_closed=”How much blood volume can I collect with GentleSharp?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]The blood volume that GentleSharp can aid in collecting depends on multiple parameters, including the animal’s size, age, health, temperature, and blood pressure. The location of the blood collection and accuracy of the vessel puncture also affects the volume collected. GentleSharp allows for a greater blood mass and increased blood sampling success as compared to the standard bleeding method. In our research, when blood sampling mouse tail arteries, collections ranged from 1 mg to 169 mg, and an average of 38 mg of total blood per trial. Though blood volumes were not tracked, blood mass works well for approximations, with ~1 mg of blood = 1 µl blood volume. [/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”What target areas can GentleSharp be used on to sample blood from rodents?” title_closed=”What target areas can GentleSharp be used on to sample blood from rodents?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]In rodents, GentleSharp has been used to sample the lateral tail vein, tail artery, saphenous vein, and submandibular (facial) vein. [/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”How does GentleSharp allow for more successful blood sampling?” title_closed=”How does GentleSharp allow for more successful blood sampling?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]GentleSharp allows for more successful blood sampling by inducing an electronically controlled forward and backward axial motion through a standard blood sampling needle. This oscillation reduces the amount of force required to puncture the tissue and blood vessel resulting in less tissue deformation, allowing for less needle slippage along the blood vessel. These results improve your rate of successful puncture while decreasing the required number of needle insertions to achieve the required amount of blood. [/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”Can GentleSharp be used for injections?” title_closed=”Can GentleSharp be used for injections?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]The current GentleSharp model cannot be used for injections. However, a GentleSharp device to aid with injections and dosing of animals is in development.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”How does GentleSharp provide a more humane way to sample blood in animals?” title_closed=”How does GentleSharp provide a more humane way to sample blood in animals?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]GentleSharp adds electronically controlled backward and forward axial motion to standard blood sampling needles. This motion reduces the required insertion force to puncture the tissue and blood vessel, resulting in less tissue deformation and less distress to the animal.
It is believed that this motion stimulates the animal’s peripheral nerves, sending a signal to the central nervous system which is faster than the one induced by acute puncture, resulting in vibration-induced anesthetic effects. We have associated the response to the Gate Control Theory of Pain, developed by Ronald Melzack (McGill University) and Patrick David Wall (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
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[toggle title_open=”Does the vibration/noise cause additional animal distress?” title_closed=”Does the vibration/noise cause additional animal distress?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]No, the vibration actually reduces the amount of distress as described by the Gate Control Theory of Pain. [/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”How can I prevent needle stick injuries to myself and my animals?” title_closed=”How can I prevent needle stick injuries to myself and my animals?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Needle stick injuries can occur with any sharp. Therefore it is always critical to keep vigilant awareness of the needle tip and follow your institutions protocols for handling needles. So as you work with the GentleSharp Handpiece make sure that you are aware of the needle tip and that the needle tip is pointed away from you. Only uncap the needle when you are ready to begin sampling. It’s best that before and after blood sampling, to turn off the Handpiece and set the Handpiece aside, facing the needle tipped end of the Handpiece away from your work area. Keep the needle cap on the needle before turning the Handpiece on. Follow your institution’s protocol for dealing with used needles after you are done with the needle.
To remove the needle from the GentleSharp Handpiece, place your hand around the Handpiece and move it up to the base of the needle. Twist the needle off of the Luer Connector and immediately place the needle into a Sharps disposal container as per your institutions protocols.
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[toggle title_open=”How should I hold/maneuver GentleSharp for rodent blood sampling?” title_closed=”How should I hold/maneuver GentleSharp for rodent blood sampling?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]The GentleSharp Handpiece may be held in different positions depending, technique, target vessel, and preference of the researcher.
Most often, the Handpiece is held in an “over hand/stabbing” hold for lateral tail vein bleeding. To provide sufficient clearance for this bleed, the tail of the animal is held over the edge of the table or at an inclined angle over the table. The needle insertion occurs at a low angle to the surface of the rodent’s tail.
For submandibular and saphenous sampling, the Handpiece should be held in a “pencil” hold as the needle insertion occurs perpendicular to the surface of the animal’s skin.
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[toggle title_open=”How do I clean the GentleSharp?” title_closed=”How do I clean the GentleSharp?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Turn ‘OFF’ and unplug GentleSharp prior to cleaning.
Clean GentleSharp by wiping all exterior surfaces with (a) a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or (b) disinfectant wipes.
After removing the needle thoroughly clean GentleSharp after each use. Do not submerge GentleSharp in liquid.
If you are unsure of whether or not your disinfecting solution is safe to use on GentleSharp, please inquire with GentleSharp, Inc. 814-355-0003 x117.
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[toggle title_open=”How much does GentleSharp cost?” title_closed=”How much does GentleSharp cost?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Please refer to https://gentlesharp.com/shop/ for pricing.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”Can I have a free trial of GentleSharp?” title_closed=”Can I have a free trial of GentleSharp?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Unfortunately, free trials of GentleSharp are not available.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”Why would I need a case with my GentleSharp purchase?” title_closed=”Why would I need a case with my GentleSharp purchase?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]The case:
Protects equipment from breakage and maintains cleanliness of the unit.
Helps with organization of your device, cords, needles, and any other blood sampling equipment.
Simplifies transportation of equipment to and from different facilities.
It is orange and can be easily distinguished from the large number of black cases found in today’s laboratories.
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[toggle title_open=”What does the free 1 hour online web based training session included with my GentleSharp purchase comprise of?” title_closed=”What does the free 1 hour online web based training session included with my GentleSharp purchase comprise of?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]The training is completed via GoToMeeting or Skype and is an opportunity for you to learn about GentleSharp safety and tips regarding use of GentleSharp with your specific animal model. This is a great opportunity for you to learn from our experience and understanding of past customer use. [/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”Is there a cordless version of GentleSharp available?” title_closed=”Is there a cordless version of GentleSharp available?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A cordless version of GentleSharp is not currently available; however, future models of GentleSharp are in development.[/toggle]