How does scientists create anti-venom using venom?

Question

I always wanted to know that.

Answer 1

The way most anti-venom is created is by first collecting up enough of the actual venom from the animal as possible.  From Black Widow Spiders this process takes a very long time because each spider can only be "milked" for about one tiny drop at a time, and it takes many, many drops to make enough to use.  Rattlesnakes and Cobras can produce much more each time they're milked.  

Once enough of the venom is obtained, a small amount of it is injected into the blood stream of a horse.  Not enough to hurt the horse, but enough to start building it up in his circulatory system.  As time goes by, the dosage is slowly increased and increased until the horse has completely built up an immunity to that particular venom.  Then, its blood is processed, the cells removed, etc. until they have a serum against that particular venom.  

The person being treated must, of course, not be allergic to horse serum.  If you were to work in the reptile house of a zoo, you would be tested for this allergy.

After someone is bitten or stung, they are rushed to the hospital, and assuming they made it, are then treated for the bite or sting with the anti-venom "designed" for that particular animal.  The anti-venom is injected into the blood stream of the one bitten, and over time, will help to heal the person from the effects of the bite.  It helps to build up an immunity to that specific bite.