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Animal Use on the UIUC Campus
Policies Pertaining to the Care and Use
of Animals in Research and Teaching
Policy for Testing of Biological Specimens to
be Implanted into Live Laboratory Rodents
Background:Animal cells and tissues can transmit
pathogens and infect laboratory rodents. In order to protect laboratory rodents,
cells and tissues at risk should be tested for rodent pathogens before they
are injected or implanted into rodents housed at UIUC animal facilities.
Scope:
This policy applies to all mammalian cells and tissues
from a rodent source; mammalian cells and tissues that have been or passed through
rodents or rodent cells without subsequent purification; and non-mammalian agents
cultured in rodents or rodent cells without subsequent purification. Non-mammalian
agents cultured in rodents or rodent cells with subsequent purification do not
require this testing. Biological specimens intended under this description include,
but are not limited to, immortal cell lines; cells intended for hybridoma formation;
tumor cells; viral or bacterial agents cultured in rodent cells or tissue; and
blood products, including serum. A few specific scenarios may be seen at the
following link: http://www.iacuc.uiuc.edu/policies/recommendation_and_scenario.html.
Policy:
Biological
specimens as described must be determined to be free of contamination with agents
of concern before use in rodents.
Role
of the Principal Investigator:The
principal investigator (PI) is responsible for providing DAR with suitable documentation
of the specimen’s source, history of use, and any previous testing to allow
DAR to determine whether the specimen is likely free of all microbial agents
of concern or requires further testing. Previous testing may satisfy the policy
requirements if appropriate documentation reveals the method, scope, and date
of testing are adequate, and the specimens have not been passed through rodents
or rodent cells since the latest testing. Previous use in a colony of rodents
for which concurrent health surveilance revealed no infectious agents may also
be adequate. If testing is required,
the PI is subsequently responsible for conferring with DAR to determine which
laboratory and testing methods are appropriate, providing DAR with documentation
of testing results, and receiving notification from DAR that the test results
indicate the specimen is likely free from all microbial agents of concern. The
PI is responsible for maintaining records of testing, use, storage, and handling
of cells and tissues.
Role
of the Division of Animal Resources:
The
DAR is responsible for assessing testing methods and results as provided by
the PI and determining whether specimens injected or implanted into rodents
are most likely free of rodent pathogens. The DAR will provide specific recommendations
for approved methods and laboratories and assist the PI to arrange the required
testing. Specific information about testing options may be seen at the following
link: http://www.iacuc.uiuc.edu/policies/recommendation_and_scenario.html.
Role
of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee: The
IACUC, charged with general oversight of the animal care and use program, is
responsible for the periodic review, evaluation, and enforcement of this policy.
Approved:
May 7, 2002
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