Rationale:

 The use of decapitation for conscious, unanesthetized rodents is sometimes necessary when the use of analgesics, anesthetics or other drugs may modify the biochemical activity of tissues. 

Policy:

• Any use of decapitation without the use of anesthetics or analgesics must be scientifically justified, listed in the protocol and approved by the IACUC prior to any such procedures being performed.
• Any researcher who plans to conduct live decapitation without anesthetics or analgesics must be trained by their Principal Investigator or skilled laboratory personnel. 
• Decapitations may be performed using guillotines or scissors used exclusively for decapitation.  The guillotine or scissors must be sharp and maintained.  Prior to each use, the guillotine or scissors must be checked for rust, smoothness of operation and cleanliness.
• Guillotines may be used for adult rats or mice.  Sharp scissors may be used for rat and mouse rodent neonates as well as adult mice.
• Trainees must demonstrate proficiency in the use of sharp scissors to their PI or other skilled lab personnel.

Applicability:

This policy applies to the use of guillotines for rodents or sharp scissors for neonates for the purposes of euthanasia when the use of anesthesia, analgesia, or other drugs are not appropriate to experimental data.

Instructions:

1.       Maintenance of Guillotines

• Guillotines must be marked with a number or other identification.
• It is not recommended that guillotines be moved from room to room.  If it must be moved to a different animal facility room or lab, sanitize the guillotine with ARC-approved disinfectant before moving to another location and disinfect again before placing it back into the original room.
• After use on an individual animal, the entire guillotine must be rinsed under cold water to remove blood, tissue and gross contamination.
• Between decapitation sessions, once gross contaminants have been removed, the entire unit should be thoroughly cleaned.
• Rinse a final time with 70% alcohol to ensure evaporation and reduce the need to hand dry the equipment.
• Turn the guillotine upside down with blades open to facilitate drying.
• Ensure the guillotine is lubricated properly by applying silicon or 3-in-1 oil as necessary.
• Guillotine blades must be kept sharp at all times.  Frequency of sharpening may vary depending on the frequency of use and the species and number of animals decapitated.  The IACUC recommends that blades must be sharpened every twelve months.  Any reputable company may provide blade resharpening at a minimal cost.  One such company is named Stoelting.  Their company website may be found at www.stoeltingco.com/physio .
• It is recommended to have a spare guillotine available due to potential turn around times for blade sharpening.

2.       Maintenance of Scissors

• After use on an individual animal, rinse scissors under cold water to remove any blood or tissue.
• Between decapitation sessions, the scissors should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Rinse a final time with 70% alcohol to ensure evaporation and reduce the need to hand dry.
• Replace scissors if they become rusted or damaged.
•  Scissors must be sharpened or replaced when they become dull.
• Stainless steel utility scissors may be purchased from Fine Science Tools.  Their company website may be found at www.finescience.com .

3.       Guidelines for the Decapitation Procedure

• The rodent will be removed from its home cage or experimental environment, and carried to the guillotine or scissors
• A minimal number of animals should be brought into the decapitation room at a time while decapitations are being conducted.
• The amount of time the animals are in the decapitation room with the guillotine or scissors should be kept to a minimum to prevent stress.
•  Every effort should be made to make sure the animal is calm prior to placing the animal in the guillotine or scissors. 
• The use of plastic cones (Decapicone® or other similar device) when using a guillotine, is optional.  The use of plastic cones (e.g. Decapicone®) to restrain animals reduces stress from handling, minimizes the chance of injury to personnel, and improves the positioning of the animal in the guillotine
• The researcher will hold the rodent securely, and place the rodent on the stage at the entrance to the guillotine and place the rodents head through the guillotine opening or position the head between the scissor blades.
• Once the head is in position, rapidly depress the guillotine lever or rapidly close the scissor blades. 

4.       Safety Concerns for Personnel

• Always make sure hands and fingers are clear of the blade path.
• Only qualified personnel should sharpen blades, lubricate the guillotine or take it apart.
• Do not use decapitation equipment unless properly trained.
• Old guillotine blades and rusted or damaged scissors should be discarded in the sharps container.

5.       Documentation

• Maintain a log book of the date of blade sharpening or replacement in close proximity to the equipment.

Exceptions:

Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the IACUC with scientific justification and must be made prior to the performance of such procedures.

Contact Information:

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