This page highlights some of the newest lab animal compliance topics, that may or may not require changes to current practices and procedures. These notices are important for the lab animal researchers of Drexel University. Stay in the know and visit often!
ACU-201 Food and Water Restriction in Research Rodents Procedures [PDF] - This procedure now includes growth charts and linked resources for two commonly used strains of rodents at Drexel University. It also includes a modified food and water restriction log form template that is available for use. Please note that the form provided is not required to be used and PI's can create their own form. This procedure does outline what information is required to be recorded.
A full list of revisions can be found in Section 6. of the procedure document.
ACU-211 Non-Pharmaceutical Grade Agents or Mixtures of Pharmaceuticals (Cocktails) Use Procedures [PDF] - This procedure now includes procedures for the use of non-drugs administered to animals by the parenteral route procedures.
A full list of revisions can be found in Section 6. of the procedure document.
ACU-216 IACUC Policy on the Use of Image or Sound Recordings in Animal Facilities, Research or Teaching Laboratories [PDF] – This policy now includes extra precautions to consider when recording images and sounds in animal facilities, research, or teaching laboratories in response to the 2023 NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy.
ACU-003 IACUC Policy for Animal Number Requests [PDF] - This policy now states that mouse (Mus musculus) and rats (Rattus rattus) fetuses greater that embryonic day 16 (E16) must be justified. This is not a change to current practices; it just was not a highlighted in this document.
ACU-202 IACUC Rodent Breeding Policy [PDF] - This policy was formerly a mouse breeding policy but was updated to a rodent breeding policy to include rats (Rattus rattus). The procedures for submitting monthly in-house birth reports have been updated within the policy. The weaning calendar has been added to the policy document.
Policy for surgery and Post Surgery Care in Rodents [PDF] has been updated to include the following updates to the policy "Postoperatively, the animal should be supplied with supplemental heat and continuously monitored with written observations made at least every 15 minutes until it regains sternal recumbency. For major surgical procedures, administration of warmed subcutaneous fluids may be appropriate. Consulting with a member of the veterinary staff will assist in making this determination.
Prior to performing surgery, the ULAR staff should be notified of any special requirements the animal may have or procedures to follow in the event the animal is found dead or moribund, so that arrangements can be made, and staff can be trained."
All Principal Investigators should have received direct email correspondence from the attending veterinarian stating the new AVMA Euthanasia Requirements [PDF]. The Drexel IACUC Euthanasia Policy [PDF] has also been updated with the specific change of the CO2 flow rate. If your laboratory uses CO2 it is necessary to amend the details of your protocol’s section 25, to the complaint flow rate of 50%, if it is not already done. To do this, simply complete this “pre-filled CO2 amendment form” [DOC] and submit it via this secure form. No need for emails on this one! Thank you for your dedication to compliance!
Pre-Filled Aseptic Technique Amendment [DOC]
Due to the necessity to remain compliant in aseptic technique across all laboratory animal surgeries, the policy for prepping the animal for surgery has been clarified. Please read over the policy and make sure that it matches your laboratory’s current practices, specifically the prep of the animal detailed in section 22bi and page 3 of the IACUC Policy for surgery and care - Rodents [PDF] and/or IACUC Policy for surgery - Nonrodents [PDF].
If the language of your lab’s protocol is not in compliance with the standards set, please use the pre-filled amendment link above and submit it to iacuc@drexel.edu for approval immediately. Please also rewrite any posted SOP’s in your laboratory spaces and educate all personnel on the standards of the policy. For more information please do not hesitate to reach out to animalwelfare@drexel.edu to share any comments, concerns or questions. Again, completed amendment forms are to be sent to iacuc@drexel.edu.
PLEASE NOTE: New protocols and renewals must adhere to these standards as well. Proactively include these details in your protocol prior to submission to the IACUC for approval, to expedite your protocol’s review process.