Research Enterprise Newsletter - August 2008: Animal Care & Use News
Initiative to Address Expired Drugs in Animal Laboratories
The IACUC recently approved implementation of a new initiative to resolve recurring issues of non-compliance with Vanderbilt University standard operating procedures regarding the use of expired drugs and medical materials in animals. As part of the new process, a post-approval compliance monitor from the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance (OAWA) will inspect all USDA labs on a monthly basis, to identify expired compounds used for anesthesia, analgesia or euthanasia.
If improperly labeled, improperly stored or expired items are found, the Principal Investigator associated with the protocol(s) listing these drugs will receive a written warning from the IACUC, requesting that the issue be rectified immediately. A second occurrence will result in suspension of the relevant protocol(s) and the appropriate funding agencies will be notified. If a protocol is suspended, the matter will be brought to the next monthly IACUC meeting for resolution.
Animal Care & Use Program Informational Meeting: August 20
The Division of Animal Care and the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance will hold their Quarterly Animal Care & Use Program (ACUP) Informational Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. in Light Hall, Room 512. All animal care users are encouraged to attend and receive the latest updates on implementation of eSirius (on line protocol review and animal ordering software); issues regarding expired and suspended protocols; mouse quarantine; IACUC semi-annual inspection reports; DAC construction projects; and the recently revised DAC web site. Refreshments will be served.
