UT Southwestern IACUC Policy                                     IACUC # 129

Approval Date:_10/4/06__                                           1 of 1

Sharps Disposal

Rationale:

The use of sharp items such as needles, scalpels, razor blades, glass slides, Pasteur pipettes, cover slips, knives, intravenous tubing with attached needles, capillary tubes or similar sharp items is an accepted part of animal research activity. The use of these items presents a potential for accidental cuts, abrasions, self-inoculation, and puncture wounds. 

Policy:

Sharps used for animal experiments must be disposed of in red, puncture resistant, leakproof (on the sides and bottom) sharps containers.  Needles must not be recapped before disposal. 

Applicability:

This policy applies to all researchers who use sharps for animal experiments.

Exceptions:

Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the IACUC.

Contact Information:

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