USC Laboratory Animal Training Annual Refresher Courtesy of Department of Animal Resources and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee CHP 234 (323)

Disclaimer The information presented in this presentation is from sources obtained in the Department of Animal Resources. Any omissions, deletions, additions, or changes made to the original content of this presentation by any non-DAR staff will not be accepted as valid training as supported by the DAR or the IACUC.

The 3R’s by Russell and Burch, 1959 Replace How can we use a different model instead of the animals? Have we checked the literature for replacements? Cell culture, less sentient species, carcasses? Refine How can we change our experimental procedures to eliminate or minimize pain and distress? Is there anything we’ve noticed that would seem uncomfortable or difficult for the animal? Reduce How can we use statistical analysis to find the appropriate animal group numbers? How can we analyze our experimental design to use less animals?

Compliance with IACUC Are we following the IACUC protocol exactly or do we need to make changes to reflect our work? Is anyone doing animal work on a protocol or project for which they are not listed on? Unapproved procedures, drugs, strains, species, personnel, etc. are grounds for non-compliance and puts lab research funds and the University at risk Remember to: 1.Submit an amendment for changes to a protocol before implementing the change in the lab 2. Only perform work that is approved on the IACUC protocol.

Drugs Are we using expired drugs on animals? Are using Pharmaceutical or Chemical Grade Drugs? – Ex of Pharmaceutical: Avertin ordered from a veterinary drug vendor Non-Pharmaceutical (Chemical) Grade Drugs – Ex of Chemical: Tribromoethanol ordered from Sigma – Caution : Purity, sterility, pH, pyrogenicity, osmolality, stability, formulation, compatibility, and pharmacokinetics are all variables when using chemical grade drugs! Controlled Drugs – How are we storing these? – How are we filling these out?

Humane Endpoints and Euthanasia What humane endpoints are we using as criteria for pre-mature euthanasia? Are we performing any survival or LD 50 studies, that allow animals to expire in the cage? What is our method of euthanasia? How are we verifying the animal is dead before disposal? Where are we disposing of carcasses?

Pain and Distress What are we using for pain medication? How and when are we giving this? Can we start recording this in a document if we haven’t already? How often are we checking these animals after we perform procedures on them?

OHS PPE Protects you and the facility! What PPE is everyone wearing when going in the facility? Bites What is the process that you go through after you have been wounded by an animal? How are these accidents documented? Allergens Who can name the symptoms of allergies to animals? Do you know what to do if you realize you have an animal-related allergy?

Rodent Reproduction What are our current mating schemes? 1 Dam:1 litter rule – Pair mating only Are we allowing pups to be separated from their mother before or after 21 days? When are we checking plugs? Do we include the correct strain name on the cage card? Are we experiencing genetic drift or mutations?

Surgery, Anesthesia, and Aseptic Technique All survival surgery must be sterile What do we use to sterilize our surgical instruments? Are we clipping the fur? Are we performing an appropriate skin prep? Do we need any supplies to improve our aseptic technique? How frequently and how often are we monitoring anesthesia while the animal is under? Where and how are the animals recovering?

Transferring animals Are we or have we ever ordered or received animals before obtaining DAR approval? Set-up a transfer (export or import) by going to – Imported species and strains must be listed on the protocol before approval can occur Transferring within USC requires a Transfer A form (CHP 234 or RRI office) – Includes protocol, PI, & room change transfers

Reporting Concerns and Contact Info Where can you find a veterinarian’s or Animal Care Staff member’s phone number in case of an animal related emergency? – Complete the Incident Report Form anonymously When in doubt call a veterinarian! We are a useful resource and part of your research team.

Things to think about… The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8 th Ed) – is free online! – and-use-of-Laboratory-animals.pdf and-use-of-Laboratory-animals.pdf Test your Cell Lines for viruses This is not routine for vendors like ATCC! Cryopreservation and conservation of irreplaceable stocks Incorporating these will enhance the quality of your research