Announcements Archives

Jun 27 2018

Safety Check: Animals Perfused with Paraformaldehyde and Formalin

Formalin and paraformaldehyde (PFA) are used as fixatives that act to preserve and stabilize cells and tissues prior to the examination process. The most common application of these agents is transcardial perfusion. Because formalin and PFA solutions emit formaldehyde gas, a known human carcinogen, safe handling of these agents and the appropriate disposal of all ...

Jun 13 2018

Up in the Air About Removing Hair? Follow These Best Practices for Using Nair®

Many labs at U-M regularly use Nair® or depilatory cream for hair removal on rodents. When used properly, this can be a very effective method for removing hair prior to surgery or other procedures. In order to ensure animal health and well-being when using these or other related products, please review the following best practices: ...

Jun 12 2018

ULAM

Valerie Hill Named ULAM’s New Chief Department Administrator – Director of Campus Animal Resources

Valerie Hill, BS, CMAR, LATg has been appointed the new Chief Department Administrator – Director of Campus Animal Resources for the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) effective June 1, 2018. In this newly created position, Valerie will provide leadership for, and oversight of, ULAM business and finance operations, including the strategic management of animal ...

May 25 2018

Husbandry

New Breeding Sheets, Pup Counting Procedures Go Into Effect June 1

In an effort to be more transparent and accurate in our reporting to the NIH and OLAW, who are interested in knowing the precise number of animals being used to answer important scientific questions at U-M, we will begin accounting for all animals bred for research via new breeding sheets effective June 1, 2018. The ...

Apr 26 2018

Husbandry Safety SOP

Reminders for Transporting Animals Between Buildings and Throughout Campus

When transporting animals between animal care facilities (either from room to room, building to building, or through a public area), please remember that all methods of transport MUST, first and foremost, provide for the health and welfare of the animals. Transport must also: A comprehensive list of procedures for transporting all animal species within or ...

Mar 29 2018

Husbandry

Re-Evaluating Mouse Cage Changing Techniques: Use of Forceps vs. Gloved Hands

ULAM’s standard cage changing practices have required Animal Technicians to use forceps when transferring mice between cages for the past two decades. However, research, , , has shown that handling of animals with forceps is associated with a higher incidence of repetitive motion injuries in animal care and use personnel. In an effort to help ...

Mar 27 2018

eRAM IACUC

Semi-Annual Inspections, Findings, and eRAM Action Items

Winter 2018 semi-annual IACUC facility inspections concluded on Thursday, March 22. As a result, you may receive several different inspection notifications through the eRAM system. If a finding is noted in a space for which you are responsible, you will receive a request via eRAM to resolve the “Action Item(s).” If a finding is noted ...

Laptop computer with magnifying glass showing eRAM welcome screen

Mar 08 2018

ULAM

Melissa Dyson Appointed U-M's Associate Attending Veterinarian, Deputy Director of ULAM

Melissa Dyson, DVM, MS, DACLAM, has been appointed the new Deputy Director of the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) and Associate Attending Veterinarian (AV) of the University of Michigan effective March 1, 2018. In this new role, Dr. Dyson will support William King, DVM, PhD, DACLAM, Assistant Vice President for Research – Animal Resources; ...

Feb 06 2018

Husbandry Safety SOP

Take Special Precautions When Transporting Animals in Extreme Temperatures

Ensuring the overall integrity and well-being of animals in transport is essential to maintaining animal welfare and minimizing the effects of environmental variables on your research. In addition to avoiding exposure to potential pathogens and preventing injury, it is especially important to maintain the animal’s health status by reducing external stressors such as temperature extremes, ...

Jan 22 2018

Controlled Substances Drugs

Research Controlled Substances: State of Michigan and DEA Audit Preparedness

As an important reminder, the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can conduct unannounced inspections of registrants and their laboratories. The DEA is a law enforcement agency, and both the state and DEA can assess civil and criminal penalties. Non-compliance violations can result in increasing levels ...

Dec 21 2017

Husbandry Safety

Animal Bites and Scratches: Prepare, Protect, Report

All animals are capable of inflicting bites and scratches. Small animals, such as laboratory rodents and rabbits, usually deliver relatively minor, albeit painful, wounds. Bites inflicted by larger animals can potentially result in tissue damage. Bite and scratch wounds can become infected by the animal’s normal bacterial flora found on the oral mucous membranes or ...

Oct 11 2017

Safety

EHS Offers New Tools, Resources for Field Studies

The Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) has recently updated their website to provide additional tools and resources for individuals conducting field research. Updates include: Visit the EHS website for additional EHS Field Research Safety Guidance. Please note that the tools and resources listed on this page do NOT pertain to IACUC policies governing ...