IACUC TRAINING Update from AAALAC

Assessment

May 2009

• Increase intensity of search strategies for alternatives to potentially painful procedures – Inclusion of relevant key words (painful or

distressful procedures) to address alternatives

– Rowland library assistance• Gongchao Yang

– Increased oversight by IACUC reviewers

Search Strategies

Rodent Transportation

• Utilization of microisolator tops for transport of rats from vivarium to labs– Decrease allergen

exposure to personnel– Improved protection of

colony animals• Microisolator tops located on

racks with drapes• Drapes also required• Return tops to dirty cage wash

and place used drape in hampers

HEPA filteration

• HEPA filtered vacuums – Lack of HEPA filtration

system increases risk of allergen exposure

– Use for animal prep– Use for cleaning

chambers

• Available from Lab Safety Supplies• http://www.labsafety.com/search/dewalt+vacuum/24531455/

Microbial Monitoring

• Methods to monitor effectiveness of non-cage washed cage sanitation (non-standard cages)– Operant chambers,

metabolic cages and chambers

– Contact LAF to arrange testing

• Display animal care cards with requested information

• Care cards are located throughout the vivarium

• Place completed card on rack or room door

Aseptic Rodent Surgery

• Aseptic rodent survival surgeries– IACUC Guidelines available at:

http://iacuc.umc.edu/documents/Guidelinesforrodentsurgery.pdf

– Sterile instruments– Sterile gloves– Mask– Maintain sterile field

Anesthetic Vaporizer Service

• Vaporizer calibration and service

• Anesthesia maintenance– May be coordinated

through LAF– Follow manufacturer’s

recommendations– Typically annual

evaluation

IACUC Policy Update

• Scavenging of Waste Anesthetic Gas – approved 12/18/08 http://iacuc.umc.edu/documents/ScavengingofWasteAnestheticGas.pdf

• Guidelines for the Use of Syringes and Needles – approved 12/18/08 http://iacuc.umc.edu/documents/needlerecappingguidelines.pdf

IACUC Policy Update• Instructions for Validation of Autoclaves – 9/22/08

http://iacuc.umc.edu/documents/autoclavevalidation.pdf

• Guidelines for Rodent Survival Surgery – approved 4/21/09 http://iacuc.umc.edu/documents/Guidelinesforrodentsurgery.pdf

• Laser Use – contact Radiation Safety Office to receive clearance for laser use http://dor.umc.edu/RSO/rsocontactinfo.html

• Guillotine maintenance – contact Mike or Tom @ 5-4511 (N307) to arrange maintenance – should occur on an as needed basis

Annual Occupational Health Update

• Annual Update notification sent by email• Access site at http://paws.umc.edu/EOH/login.jsp• Log in using Network User ID and password

Click on each form individually

• Heath Questionnaire →

• Animal Exposure →

Update information and submit.