Policy:

The health and safety of animals and personnel is of primary importance at INST.
INST requires that the imaging suite, animal holding and anesthesia be used by only one type (research or clinical) and one species of animal at a time. INST follows all federal and state regulations and guidelines and all IACUC policies and procedures for the use of animals in research.

Procedure:

1. The researcher/clinican will have the sole use of the animal holding room, anesthesia room, and the imaging room during the scheduled time. Therefore, scheduling must account for time in all rooms, not just imaging time.

2. A minimum of two people should accompany each animal/animals to the imaging facility.

3. Animals may only be brought in through the designated animal-only entrance. Authorized personnel will immediately take the animal(s) to the holding room. Personnel will change clothes and do any prep work necessary before moving to the anesthesia room.

4. When the animal is moved to anesthesia, the holding room must be cleaned immediately.

5. Upon completion of anesthesia, the animal will moved to the imaging room with instruction from the imaging technician.

6. After imaging, the animal must be moved back to anesthesia to recover and the imaging room must immediately be cleaned.

7. After recovery, the animal must be moved out of the facility and the anesthesia room must be cleaned.

8. Any deviation from this procedure must be approved in advance by INST administration.

Compliance:

Following the requirements for the use of animal space is the responsibility of the person(s) bringing the animal case to INST. Persons without proper authorization will be removed immediately. Failure to follow this procedure will be subject to disciplinary action and/or loss of priviledges. Each Department/College using the facility is responsible for ensuring their researchers/clinicians’ compliance.