SOP

Facilities Safety SOP

Requirements & Expectations for Proper Sharps Disposal

In September 2024, Michigan state law extended the timeline for disposal of sharps containers to 18 months. With the passage of the first new 18-month disposal deadline at the end of March, we ask that all members of the U-M research community review the following institutional expectations and requirements for proper sharps disposal: Container Use ...
Properly labeled and maintained sharps container

Husbandry SOP ULAM

SOP Modified to Clarify When Wet Rodent Cages are Changed

The Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) recently updated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Laboratory Assumption of the Feeding, Watering and/or Cage Changing of Rodents to provide additional clarification on when ULAM husbandry personnel will change rodent cages that are found to be wet/flooded. This update does NOT require any action from laboratories who ...
Wet cage change icon

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP ULAM

On the Move? Essentials for Safe & Secure Animal Transport

Providing a safe, secure, and properly controlled research environment is critical for maintaining animal health and minimizing variables that could impact study results.  When moving animals across campus – either from room to room, building to building, or through a common area – extra care must be taken to protect animal welfare and the integrity ...
Image of mouse cage set up for proper transport

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP

Recent Updates, Changes to Hazardous Substance Administration SOP

To ensure continued compliance with best practice standards in animal care and use and laboratory safety, the Animals Administered a Hazardous Substance Requiring Containment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was recently updated. Updates and process changes are applicable to ANY individual who may perform procedures that involve the handling of animals and/or animal equipment contaminated with ...
Button listing expected May 2025 adherence date for new Hazardous Substance Administration SOP

Facilities SOP ULAM

How to Request Veterinary Care

Reporting animal health concerns promptly using the appropriate channels is critical for maintaining animal welfare. We ask that all research personnel review the following information carefully to ensure that they know how to obtain veterinary care during normal business hours and after hours, including weekends and holidays. When to Report Animals in need of immediate ...
Phone icon calling veterinary care team

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP

Prior Justification, Approval Required for Transporting Animals in Personal Vehicles

To ensure animal health and welfare and minimize exposure to environmental stressors that may alter study results, transporting live animals in vehicles NOT specifically designed for such purposes (e.g., personal cars or public transportation) is generally NOT permitted. Transporting animals in personal vehicles is ONLY permissible AFTER the following requirements have been met: Transporting Animals ...
Personal vehicle and public transportation prohibited icon

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP ULAM

Be in the Know Before You Go: Procedures for Safe Animal Transport

Any individual who MAY be responsible for transporting animals on campus should be familiar with the Procedures for Animal Transportation. This document includes detailed species-specific transport instructions, information about donning of Personal Protective Equipment, methods for avoiding exposure to potential pathogens, and techniques to minimize environmental stressors (e.g., temperature extremes, odors, excessive noise). Whether moving ...
Handle with Care yellow and orange animal transportation procedures reminder icon with green health shield

Facilities Husbandry SOP ULAM

Change to Blue Tabs Used to Identify Single Housed Animals

The Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) would like to update all laboratories to a change in the item(s) used to identify singly housed animals. Due to a supply shortage, the blue tabs typically used to identify singly housed animals in the vivarium (see picture below at left) have become increasingly difficult to order. ULAM ...
Side by side photo comparison of current and new blue tabs used to identify single housed animals

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP

Hazardous Substance Administration SOP Recently Updated

To ensure that all members of the U-M animal care and use community have the tools and resources necessary to comply with best practice standards in animal care and laboratory safety, the Animals Administered a Hazardous Substance Requiring Containment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been updated. Key SOP changes are summarized below and will be highlighted on posters ...
Button listing expected May 2023 adherence date for new Hazardous Agents Administration SOP procedures

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP ULAM

Handle With Care: Reminders for Safe Animal Transport

Transporting animals on campus (either from room to room, building to building, or through a public area) requires heightened attention to detail to ensure that animal health and welfare is maintained at all times. This includes, but is NOT limited to, preventing injury or escape, reducing environmental stressors (e.g., ambient temperature extremes, odors, and excessive ...
Handle with Care blue and green hands icon with yellow health shield

Facilities Safety SOP ULAM

Safe Animal Transport: What to Know Before You Go

All methods of transport must, first and foremost, provide for animal health and welfare. This includes, but is not limited to, avoiding exposure to potential pathogens, preventing injury or escape, and reducing environmental stressors (e.g., temperature extremes, odors, and excessive noise). Before and during ANY animal transport, please remember to:  *Note that different processes and ...
Do Not Forget reminder note