GUIDELINES FOR MAINTENENCE OF LIVE ANIMAL PROCEDURE AREAS
The following guidelines apply to any area in the vivarium or investigator’s laboratory
that is IACUC approved for live animal procedures. Special conditions for survival
surgery and euthanasia areas are summarized below but specific guidelines for those
procedures are available should be consulted.
For all live animal procedure areas:
 The animal use space should be cleared of unnecessary equipment and clutter
prior to bringing animals to the lab. All surfaces in the animal use space should
be easily cleaned. Materials made of unpainted wood, cardboard, or other
materials that cannot be easily sanitized should be removed from the space if
possible*.
 The fume hood or bench top should be cleaned prior to use with an appropriate
disinfectant. Appropriate PPE should be put on before removing animals from
cages.
 If live animals will be kept in a fume hood for any length of time, all chemicals
should be removed from the hood.
 Maintain separate areas for cage storage, fur clipping, surgery, and non-surgical
procedures, as each activity creates different levels of contamination.
 Supplies or equipment that come into contact with animals should be
cleaned/disinfected before use.
 Dirty cages are to be covered at all times and stored in a location that does not
interfere with laboratory activities. All dirty cages should be removed from
procedure areas and returned to the BRF as soon as possible to minimize allergen
exposure. Cages must be removed from laboratory spaces by the end of the day,
and should not be stored in the laboratory overnight.
 If animal use generates feces, blood, or other contaminants in an area, these must
be cleaned up immediately.
 The animal use area must be disinfected immediately after animal work is
completed.
For non-survival surgery areas:
 For non-survival procedures a dedicated surgical space is not required. However,
the area should be clean, free of clutter and not used for other purposes during the
time of surgery.
 Aseptic technique is not required. However, personnel present in the area should
observe good cleanliness practices for both themselves and the animals.
 The use of clean, non-sterile instruments and supplies is acceptable. A clean lab
coat or gown and clean gloves are best practice.
Approved 3-19-14
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
Expired medical supplies (NOT including drugs used for anesthesia or
euthanasia), may be used for non-survival procedures. Such materials should be
clearly labeled and stored separate from supplies used for survival surgery.
For survival surgery areas:
 A dedicated rodent surgical facility is not required. However, at the time of use
the aseptic surgery the area should be restricted to surgery and related activities to
minimize contamination.
 Survival surgical locations should have minimal traffic and contain only surfaces
that can be easily disinfected. No wood, cardboard or other materials that cannot
be adequately sanitized should be in this area.
 Preparation of the animal should be conducted in an area separated from where
the surgery will be performed. The same table/bench top may be used for both
surgical prep and surgery, but these areas must be distinct from one another.
 All survival surgery must be performed by using aseptic procedures, including
masks, sterile gloves, sterile instruments, and aseptic techniques.
 Expired medical supplies or drugs may NOT be used for survival surgery.
 The survival surgery area should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized immediately
after use.
 Refer to specific IACUC Guidelines for Survival Surgery for additional
information.
For euthanasia areas:
 Euthanasia equipment must be cleaned before and after use.
 It is preferable to euthanize animals in their home cage if possible.
 If using CO2, a pressure regulator, flow meter system must be used
 Refer to specific IACUC Guidelines for Euthanasia for additional information.
* This is required for all survival surgery areas.
Approved 3-19-14
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