SOP · SAFETY
Venom & Apitoxin Extraction
ActiveSafetyRev C
Purpose
To govern the safe electro-stimulation collection of bee apitoxin and the controlled milking of contained hornet venom for research and antivenom supply. The procedure protects operators from envenomation while preserving sample integrity and traceability.
Scope
All venom and apitoxin collection from managed colonies and contained predator stock.
In scope:
- Electro-stimulation apitoxin collection from colonies
- Controlled milking of contained hornet venom
- Sample labelling, drying, and cold storage
- Operator exposure monitoring during collection
Out of scope:
- Vault entry to retrieve hornet stock, which follows HCL-4 Hornet Vault Access & Containment
- Clinical treatment of stings, which follows Anaphylaxis & Sting Medical Response
Definitions
Apitoxin
The dried venom secretion collected from honeybees by mild electro-stimulation of the collection frame.
Collection Frame
A glass plate over a low-voltage grid that prompts bees to sting and deposit venom without losing the stinger.
Milking
The manual or automated extraction of venom from a restrained, contained hornet under sealed conditions.
Responsibilities
Toxin Operations Lead (Owner)
Owns the procedure and authorises each collection session and storage disposition.
Collection Operator
Sets up stimulation equipment, performs collection, and maintains the sample chain of custody.
Apiary Health Officer
Monitors colony stress and operator exposure and halts sessions on welfare or safety grounds.
Procedure
Setup
- Confirm session authorisation and verify the antivenom kit is on station.
- Inspect the stimulation grid and glass plate for cracks before energising.
- Position collection frames at hive entrances during peak forager return.
Collection
- Apply pulsed low-voltage stimulation for the prescribed interval only.
- For hornet milking, restrain the specimen within the sealed glovebox before extraction.
- Monitor operator exposure continuously and halt on any sting event.
- Limit each colony session to the welfare-bounded duration.
Recovery & Storage
- De-energise, allow venom to dry on the plate, and scrape under filtered airflow.
- Label samples with batch, source, and date and place in cold storage.
- Log yields and any operator exposure before closing the session.
PPE & Controls
Sealed veil and full bee suitSting-resistant gauntletsSealed glovebox for hornet milkingEye protection against venom aerosol
Records Generated
- Collection session and yield log
- Sample chain-of-custody label record
- Operator exposure register
References
- HCL-4 Hornet Vault Access & Containment
- Anaphylaxis & Sting Medical Response
- Cryo Gamete Banking & Preservation
Revision History
| Rev | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| B | 2091-03-30 | Added welfare-bounded session duration and exposure register. |
| C | 2091-05-12 | Required sealed glovebox for all hornet milking. |