---
title: "Video: IV Self-Administration in Rats"
description: Intravenous self-administration is a type of study in which a rat will lever-press or nose-poke to trigger an IV dose from a syringe pump.
---

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# [Video: IV Self-Administration in Rats](https://www.instechlabs.com/blog/video-iv-self-administration-in-rats)

 Written by [Wyatt Boughter](https://www.instechlabs.com/blog/author/wyatt-boughter) | Jul 31, 2019 3:21:25 PM

[Intravenous self-administration](https://www.instechlabs.com/applications/iv-self-administration) is a type of study in which a rat will lever-press or nose-poke to trigger an IV dose from a syringe pump.

IV self-administration setups include a combination of [swivels](https://www.instechlabs.com/products/swivels-mounts/swivels), [tethers](https://www.instechlabs.com/products/buttons-tethers), and [balance arms](https://www.instechlabs.com/products/swivels-mounts/mounts/multi-axis-counter-balanced). Due to the nature of the studies, IV self-admin requires the longest patency out of all catheterized rodent studies. Because these are behavioral studies, a low-stress and healthy animal environment is imperative to data accuracy, and the equipment you choose can make a significant difference.

[Vascular Access Buttons™ ](https://www.instechlabs.com/products/buttons-tethers/vascular-access)are ideal for addiction studies because the dual tether/IV lines can be simply and aseptically connected or disconnected when moving the animal into or out of the operant chamber. Animals with Vascular Access Buttons™ may be group housed when not on study by using the protective aluminum cap.

Watch this video to see an IV self-administration set up with a rat.

0:06 - Group house rats with protective magnetic VAB™ caps

0:11 - Remove VAB™ cap

0:19 - Attach magnetic tether to VAB™

0:37 - Begin IV self-administration

[View full post](https://www.instechlabs.com/blog/video-iv-self-administration-in-rats)

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