Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure for:
Bromo-Deoxyuridine (BrdU)
Principal Investigator (PI) Approval is Required Prior to Performing this Procedure
Description
This standard operating procedure outlines the handling and use of BrdU. Review this document and supply the
information required in order to make it specific to your laboratory. In accordance with this document, laboratories
should use appropriate controls, personal protective equipment, and disposal techniques when handling BrdU.
BrdU is commonly used in research to detect replicating cells in living tissues. Bromodeoxyuridine (5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine, BrdU) is a synthetic nucleoside that is an analogue of thymidine. BrdU can be incorporated into the
newly synthesized DNA of replicating cells (during the S phase of the cell cycle), substituting for thymidine during
DNA replication. Antibodies specific for BrdU can then be used to detect the incorporated chemical thus indicating
cells that were actively replicating their DNA. Binding of the antibody requires denaturation of the DNA, usually by
exposing the cells to acid or heat. Because BrdU can replace thymidine during DNA replication, it can cause
mutations, and its use is therefore potentially a health hazard.
Potential Hazards
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BrdU is cytotoxic
BrdU can cause heritable genetic damage, harm to the fetus, reproductive disorders and may alter genetic
material.
Possible routes of exposure to BrdU include inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption.
Target Organs: Immune system
While the exact metabolism and elimination of BrdU is unknown, BrdU that is not immediately taken up by
replicating cells most likely is eliminated within a relatively short time. Most BrdU research involves
sacrificing the animals within a short time period after administration to analyze BrdU incorporation.
BrdU can cause mutations in DNA and appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid exposure. Pregnant and
lactating women should avoid exposure to BrdU and animals that have been administered BrdU or use additional
PPE. As BrdU exposure can impair the immune system; immunocompromised individuals should also use extreme
caution when handling BrdU.
Engineering Controls
If aerosols may be produced (e.g., weighing powder), BrdU and any suspensions of BrdU must be handled in a
chemical fume hood, exhausted biological safety cabinet with negative pressure ductwork, or other exhausted
enclosure. Aerosols may be produced during any open handling of dry powder and during open or pressurized
manipulations of suspensions. It is recommended that labs post a sign explaining the aerosols procedures. Care
should be taken to avoid exposures to bedding dust when handling animals that have been administered BrdU.
Work Practice Controls
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All tasks having potential for occupational BrdU exposure, i.e. mixing of doses, dose preparation,
administering of injections, etc., should only be conducted by research personnel that have been authorized
and properly trained by the PI for BrdU safe handling.
PIs will develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for training staff on the preparation
and administration of BrdU with minimal potential for exposure.
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Revision Date: 8/30/13
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Areas where the material are prepared and/or administered should be cleaned immediately
following each task utilizing a 5% to 10% bleach/water solution
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Animals receiving BrdU through the water supplied in water bottles may be housed in standard SPF animal
facilities. All water containing BrdU must be labeled
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Standard nitrile laboratory gloves and a fully buttoned lab coat with sleeves extending to the wrists must be
worn when handling BrdU. When handling suspensions or solutions, choose a glove that is protective
against the solvent. If gloves are splashed or come in contact with BrdU, change them as soon as possible.
If splashes may occur, wear goggles. Otherwise, wear standard laboratory safety glasses.
In cases where the arms or torso may be exposed to liquid suspensions or dry particles, wear Tyvek sleeves
and/or gowns (or other air-tight non-woven textile).
It is recommended that a second pair of nitrile gloves be worn by personnel injecting animals with BrdU.
The animal facility may have additional requirements for housing areas see facility signs for requirements.
Transportation and Storage
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Place BrdU into syringes or small vials prior to transport to the animal facility.
BrdU used in drinking water must be diluted in labs before transport to the animal facility.
Place prepared BrdU in a labeled secondary container for transport to the animal facility.
Following administration dispose of all containers that contain BrdU, (e.g., vials, syringes) from the animal
facility in receptacles provided.
Waste Disposal
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All needles will be disposed of in sharps container – do not recap or bend needles.
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All gloves and containers used in these procedures must be collected for disposal through OSEH
HazMat (3-4568).
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All water that is not consumed by the animals must be collected, labeled and submitted for disposal
as a hazardous material. Additionally, all cages whose bedding becomes wet with BrdU water (i.e.,
cage floods, drips,etc.) must also be treated as a potential hazard. The wet bedding should be
collected and labeled for disposal by OSEH HazMat.
Because most spent, unused and expired chemicals/materials are considered hazardous wastes, they must be properly
disposed of. Do not dispose of chemical wastes by dumping them down a sink, flushing in a toilet or discarding in
regular trash containers, unless authorized by OSEH Hazardous Materials Management (HMM). Contact OSEH-HMM
at (734) 763-4568 for waste containers, labels, manifests, waste collection and for any questions regarding proper waste
disposal. Also refer to OSEH’s Hazardous Waste webpage for more information.
Exposures/Unintended Contact
If the employee is in need of emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately.
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For an actual chemical exposure/injury:
 Remove contaminated clothing. Flush exposed eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention (see below).
 For situations with risk of inhalation exposure (including spills of powder outside of a chemical fume hood),
remove all persons from the contaminated area.
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If an ambulance is needed, call the University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) at 911 to request
assistance.
Contact OSEH for advice on symptoms of chemical exposure, or assistance in performing an exposure assessment.
Report all work related accidents, injuries, illnesses or exposures to WorkConnections within 24 hours by completing and
submitting the Illness and Injury Report Form. Follow the directions on the WorkConnections website Forms
Instructions to obtain proper medical treatment and follow-up.
Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form.
TREATMENT FACILITIES:
U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic
C380 Med Inn building
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021
University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions)
Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm
Contact for current hours as they may vary
207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320
UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666
Click here for additional accident and injury reporting information.
Spill Procedure
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When a spill occurs, personal safety should always come first.
Alert and clear everyone in the immediate area where the spill occurred. Spills of dry Brdu powder
outside of a chemical fume hood or other enclosure should be referred to the OSEH-HMM by calling
(734) 763-4568.
Spills of liquid suspensions should be absorbed with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material
and placed in containers for disposal. Decontaminate the area with 5-10% bleach/water solution. Rope
off the area and let stand for 30 minutes, and then wash/wipe area with plenty of water.
For spills of dry powders in a chemical fume hood or other enclosure, wipe up the powder using a cloth
dampened with water, or wet the powder with water and then wipe with a dry cloth. Minimize the fume hood
or enclosure opening during this process. Decontaminate the area with the solutions mentioned in the
previous bullet. Contaminated PPE and clean-up materials must be placed in a sealed container for pick-up by
OSEH-HMM (see Waste Disposal section for more information).
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A minor (small) chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff is capable of handling safely without the assistance of
safety and emergency personnel, i.e., less than 1 gallon or 3.5 liters. A major (large) chemical spill requires active
assistance from emergency personnel.
Spill Response Steps:
MINOR CHEMICAL SPILL
 Alert people in immediate area of spill.
 If spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Don’t light Bunsen burners or turn on other
switches.
 Open outside windows, if possible.
 Wear protective equipment, including safety goggles, gloves and long-sleeve lab coat.
 Avoid breathing vapors from spill.
 Confine spill to as small an area as possible.
 Do not wash spill down the drain.
 Use appropriate spill kits/sorbents to neutralize corrosives and/or absorb spill. Collect contaminated materials
and residues and place in container. For powdered chemicals sweep carefully to avoid generation of dust or, if
appropriate, use moist sorbent pads or wet the powder with a suitable solvent and then wipe with a dry cloth.
Label and manifest waste and contact OSEH-HMM (734) 763-4568 for proper disposal.
 Clean spill area with water.
MAJOR CHEMICAL SPILL
 Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from exposure.
 Alert people in the laboratory to evacuate.
 If spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Don’t light Bunsen burners or turn on other
switches.
 Call University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) at 911 immediately for assistance.
 Close doors to affected area.
 Post warnings to keep people from entering the area.
 Have person available that has knowledge of incident and laboratory to assist emergency personnel.
Additional Spill Links:
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www.oseh.umich.edu/pdf/chemspil.pdf
http://www.oseh.umich.edu/emer-chemical.shtml.
Report all emergencies, suspicious activity, injuries, spills, and fires to the University of Michigan Division of Public
Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911 or texting 377911. Register with the University of Michigan Emergency Alert
System via Wolverine Access.
Training of Personnel
All personnel are required to complete the General Laboratory Safety Training session (BLS025w or equivalent) via
OSEH’s My LINC website. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling the chemical.
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Certification
I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab Manager if I plan to modify this
procedure.
Name
Signature
UM ID #
Date
Prior Approval required – Is this procedure hazardous enough to warrant prior approval from the Principal
Investigator?
☐ YES
☐ NO
Principal Investigator
Revision Date
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