How Is Snake Venom Collected? A Detailed Explanation of Snake Venom Collection Methods

1. Collection of snake venom

Tools: small glass cups, small porcelain dishes, venom containers, etc.

Venom collection method: grasp the snake's neck with the right hand, and insert the venom container into the snake's mouth with the left hand. The venomous snake will then bite the container fiercely, and the venom it discharges can be seen. This method is simple to perform.

Its drawbacks are: dirt in the snake's mouth will mix into the venom, and sometimes sand and other impurities are also brought in. To remove impurities from the venom, a thin film is usually placed over the surface of the container. For artificially raised adult snakes, venom is generally collected about once a month.

2. Processing of snake venom: freshly collected snake venom must be dried immediately.

Method: place the collected snake venom in a vacuum desiccator, pump out the air with a vacuum pump, and when bubbles begin to form in the venom, close the valve and let it stand for 24 hours; the snake venom product is then ready.

3. Preservation of snake venom: put the dried snake venom product into a clean small bottle, seal it, wrap the outside with black paper to block light, and store it in a low-temperature place. The type of snake venom, collection date, weight, etc. should be marked on the outside of the container.