UT Southwestern IACUC Policy                                                                    IACUC  # 110

Approval Date:__11/06/2008______                                                                1 of 1

Use of Ether

Rationale:

The use of ether involves significant safety hazards resulting from two important properties.  First, ether has a high vapor pressure, and the vapor is highly flammable.  Second, ether readily forms highly explosive peroxides.  Other anesthetic agents are available and provide safer alternatives.  The ARC veterinarians or the Faculty Handbook for the Use of Research Animals can provide information on acceptable options.

Policy:

• The use of ether for anesthesia in rodents is not approved. 
• The use of ether for anesthesia in non-rodents is not approved. 
• The use of ether for euthanasia is not approved.

Applicability:

This policy applies to all animals used in research.

Exceptions:

The use of ether as an anesthetic for rodents may be approved on an individual basis by the IACUC in an approved protocol.

Contact information:

For any additional questions please contact the IACUC Manager at 5-6420.