1. Whale Blood Sampling Technique Sarah KolpinKevin WrightHani Bou Reslan

2. Overview • Problem statement • Background information • Design objectives & criteria • Product design specifications • Product design • Design alternative • Conclusion & future plans

3. Problem Statement Currently there is no device that allows field researchers to extract blood samples from free-ranging large cetaceans. Developing a tool where blood can safely be taken from whales in the wild would mark a breakthrough in current technology and allow for subsequent studies to focus on critical physiological indices necessary for maintaining the general health of cetacean populations.

4. Background Information • Obtaining blood: Humpback whale anatomy

5. Similar Field Work • Biopsy darting

6. Objectives & Criteria • Capable of extracting 1 cc of blood • Capable of penetrating 4 inches of skin • Capable to be shot from crossbow • Extracted blood should not mix with sea water

7. Objectives & Criteria • Cheap to produce • Should not harm whale • Easy to retract • Light weight

8. Key PDS • Shape: cylindrical • Size: at most 12 inches • Safety: releases after extracting blood • Accuracy: hits vein (or artery) in tail fluke

9. Product Design • 8 inch needle • Stopper • Outer Cylinder • Fins for stability 5. Penetrable material 6. Vacuum cylinder 7. Site for retracting

10. Design Alternative • Penetrable material • 10 inch needle 3. Cylinder 4. Vacuum

11. Design Alternative (Cont.) • Pressure sensitive chemicals • Expandable balloon

12. Design Alternative (Cont.)

13. Design Alternative (Cont.)

14. Conclusion The proposed design takes the key product design specifications into consideration, and fulfills needs of our client.

15. Future Plans • Build an operational prototype • Design dart for use with smaller crossbow • Test prototype