Policies

Facilities IACUC Policies Safety

Go Beyond the Glove: Essentials for Hand Hygiene in Animal Care Facilities

To ensure scientific integrity and protect personnel, the vast majority of animals used in biomedical research are purpose-bred to be free of specific pathogens that may cause disease in humans. Despite the multitude of systems (e.g., routine animal screening, housing in specially designed and controlled facilities, use of Personal Protective Equipment) in place to safeguard ...
Close up of person washing hands in sink with disposable latex gloves in background

Drugs Guidelines Policies

Drug Labeling Simplified: New Printable Template & Essential Reminders

The proper storage and use of drugs and other medical materials in animal-based research – including clear and appropriate labeling of all substances – is essential for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining programmatic compliance, and protecting scientific rigor. To assist laboratories with this simple but important task, our Program has developed a standard labeling template that ...
Medicine vial icons with Beyond Use Date label

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Fall 2025 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in September. These routine inspections are one of the most important tools we have for assessing programmatic strengths and identifying areas for individual and collective improvement(s) in service to the animals entrusted to our care. Through this lens of ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Fall 2025 semi-annual facility inspections

Drugs Federal Regulations & Standards Guidelines Policies ULAM

A Visual Guide to Finding Beyond Use Dates on Drug Packaging

Many pharmaceutical products used in animal-based research have a standard “Expiration Date” as well as a “Use-By-Date” (i.e., “Beyond Use Date”). These dates are generally included on the package insert or vial and can often be found under the headings “Storage,” “Storage Instructions,” or “Dosage and Administration.” Some products that are formulated by multiple manufacturers ...
Enrosite vial and packaging labeled with Beyond Use Date

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Winter 2025 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in mid-March. These routine inspections are one of the most important tools we have for assessing programmatic strengths and identifying areas for individual and collective improvement(s) in service to the animals entrusted to our care. Through this lens of ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Winter 2025 semi-annual facility inspections

Drugs Federal Regulations & Standards Guidelines Policies ULAM

Additional Guidance & Resources for Managing Products with Beyond Use Dates

Navigating the many nuanced requirements for the proper management, storage, and maintenance of drugs, agents, and other substances used in animal-based research can be challenging and confusing, especially when these supplies are dated. Many pharmaceutical products have both a standard “Expiration Date” and a “Use-By-Date” (i.e., “Beyond Use Date”), which are often described in the ...
Image of vials being picked up by person with gloved hand

Federal Regulations & Standards Policies Safety

Plan Ahead: New Federal Policy on Research with Pathogens and Biological Toxins

May 2025 Update On May 5, 2025, a new Executive Order (EO) was issued calling for modifications to the 2024 United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (often referred to as the “USG DURC-PEPP Policy”). As the institution awaits additional guidance on how the provisions ...
document icon reading "new policy DRUC-PEPP"

Facilities Policies Training ULAM

Training Requirements and Animal Housing Access: What You Should Know

To safeguard animal welfare, all personnel working with animals must complete mandatory training BEFORE they can begin their work. Expectations for Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) required training are outlined in the Policy on the Classification and Expectations of Personnel Involved with Animal Activities and are based upon: After an individual has been ...
Training Requirements clipboard icon

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Fall 2024 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in late September, which included piloting a new one-week condensed schedule. This revised format more closely aligns IACUC processes with those used by external oversight bodies (e.g., AAALAC and the United States Department of Agriculture) and aims to reduce ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Fall 2024 semi-annual facility inspections