The appropriate use of drugs and other medical materials – fluids, vehicles, biologics, and drugs – is critical for protecting animal welfare, ensuring the validity of your results, and avoiding incidents of non-compliance.
Given the seriousness of these concerns, recent updates to several programmatic documents, and an analysis of areas identified for continued refinement through semi-annual IACUC facility inspections, all personnel who handle or work with animals should review the following to assist with continued education and compliance:
- Quick Reference Sheet: Monitoring Expired Drugs & Medical Materials
– This newly updated, printable quick reference sheet provides suggestions and best practices for developing a system to monitor expired materials in your laboratory. - First Annual GOLD Day – Happening on Friday, May 5, 2023, GOLD Day is a unique opportunity for laboratories to set aside dedicated time for personnel to Go Organize, Label, and Dispose of drugs, medical materials, surgical supplies, and other substances administered to – or used in – ANY animal procedure. Learn about how to get involved and find GOLD Day resources on the GOLD Day webpage.
- Policy on the Use, Storage, and Expiration of Substances, Agents, and Medical Materials Used in Animals – The revised policy, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, outlines expectations for the appropriate use and storage of expired drugs and medical materials in animal activities.
- Guidelines on the Preparation of Injectable Substances and Agents Administered to Animals – Have been recently updated to provide specific examples (see Appendix B) of appropriate labeling for several of the most used medications in laboratory animal medicine.
- Build Your AAALAC Blueprint – A new tool that allows you to customize your AAALAC preparation path by selecting specific topics of interest (including Labeling, Storage, and Use of Drugs and Other Medical Materials) to receive a custom curated list of recommended resources to focus your efforts.
Questions?
- Contact the Quality Assurance Team in the Animal Care & Use Office ([email protected]) for assistance with establishing a system to monitor for expired drugs and other medical materials in your lab.
- Reach out to your ULAM Faculty Veterinarian for specific questions about the proper use of drugs and other medical materials in animals.
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