UT Southwestern IACUC Policy                                                      IACUC  #  116

Approval Date:__8/2/06____                                                         Page 1 of 1

Lab Visits 

Rationale:

The Animal Welfare Regulations require that that all animal study areas be inspected (§2.31,c,2). 

Policy:

The IACUC requires that all laboratories belonging to PI’s who use research animals be inspected twice a year by representatives of the IACUC.

Applicability:

This policy applies to all PI’s who use animals.

Instructions:

The following items will be inspected:

General Considerations:

• All personnel have completed training requirements and enrolled in the worker protection program.
• All personnel are aware of procedures to follow in the event of injury or accidental exposure to hazards.
• All personnel are aware of IACUC policies and their approved protocols.
-IACUC approved euthanasia procedures are followed.
-IACUC required post-procedural care is provided (i.e. analgesia, monitoring, suture removal, etc.)
• Personnel are aware that they should contact the ARC veterinarian for any concerns regarding the animal’s health or well being.  This includes post-procedural complications.
• Personnel are aware of the “Hot Line” that is available to report concerns about the care of animals at UT Southwestern. (800) 500-0033.
• Animal use workspace is clean and organized.
• Surfaces in work area are smooth, impervious to moisture and can be sanitized.
• Approved sharps disposal system is in place.  (Needles are not to be recapped prior to disposal.)
• Standard operating procedures are in place for cleaning animal use work areas.
• Compressed gas cylinders are safely immobilized.
• Correct carcass disposal procedures are followed.
• All supply/drug/chemical containers are clearly labeled and dated.
• Correct procedures for transporting animals to the laboratory are followed (e.g. use of freight elevators, cages covered with clean drape during transport, arrangement with ARC to transport outside buildings and between campuses, etc.)  For more information, please refer to the IACUC’s Internal Animal Transport policy located at http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept238828/files/265612.html .
• All controlled drug supplies are secured under lock and key.
• Controlled drug log is correct and current.
• Procedures for identification and disposal of expired drugs/supplies are in place and followed.
• Animal use records that document the humane care and use of the animals are accurate, current, and available for inspection by site visitors.
• Safety plans are readily available to laboratory staff for use of pathogenic agents, recombinant DNA, and hazardous chemicals.

Considerations for surgical procedures:

• Surgical area is clearly discernable and is clean and uncluttered.
• Incision site on animal is properly prepared as per policy.
• Aseptic procedures are followed for rodent survival surgeries (e.g. use of sterile instruments, sterile gloves, etc.)
• Autoclaved materials are dated and stored properly.
• Appropriate cold sterilization procedures are carefully followed.
• Anesthetic scavenging systems are in place for use of gaseous anesthetics.
• Surgeon follows proper scrubbing, gowning, and gloving procedures.
• Methods are in place to maintain body temperature during and after surgery.
• Animal use records that document monitoring anesthetic levels, anesthetic recovery, incision site, and the administration of post-operative analgesia are complete, accurate, and available.  These records should be readily available for inspection.

Considerations for approved lab housing:

• Approved by the IACUC and scientifically justified.
• Temperature control and air flow monitored and maintained by CDAS and kept within the range required for the species housed.  Temperature must be recorded daily.
• Humidity monitored and maintained by CDAS and kept within the range required for the species housed. Humidity must be recorded daily.
• Light timer in place and functioning.
• Record of daily animal checks (health, food, and water) maintained and available.
• Door kept locked.

Contact Information:

For any additional questions concerning this policy, please contact the IACUC Manager at 5-6420.