Many factors influence the risk of intraoperative infection and/or sepsis. These include the duration of the procedure, degree of tissue trauma, surgical site, and the environment. Procedures which are identified as high risk during protocol review, such as lengthy procedures or gastrointestinal surgery, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The assessment outcome may include stricter requirements, such as those required for survival surgical procedures (refer to Survival Surgery Standards for Non-Rodent Mammals). The IACUC will advise principal investigators in these instances.

A.	Attire: Clean lab coat, gown or scrub top Clean non-sterile gloves Headcover (optional) Note:   Animals exposed to hazardous agents or animals with potential for zoonoses (i.e., nonhuman primates) will require additional appropriate personal protective equipment.
B.	Instruments and supplies: Clean non-sterile instruments may be used Non-sterile supplies may be used Anesthetic vaporizers must be tested yearly to demonstrate accurate delivery and to ensure personnel are not at risk of exposure sodasorb granules must be changed when they change colors during machine use. It is important to change the granules even if they return to white when the machine is turned off.
C.	Drugs: 1) Fluids Sterile fluids must be used 2) Anesthesia The anesthetic regime must follow your approved IACUC protocol. Variations must be approved by the IACUC (Modification Form) before beginning work. 3) Use of non-pharmaceutical grade drugs is not permitted unless approved by the IACUC (i.e. pharmaceutical grade drugs are not available or there is scientific justification for the use of a chemical grade drug). All infused compounds must be sterile.
D.	Animal Prep: Animals must be clipped in an area separate from where the surgery will be performed. Surgical site must be cleansed.
E.	Surgeon Prep: Gloves should be changed between prepping the animal and starting surgery.
F.	Monitoring and Record keeping: Anesthetic records must be kept for each animal and must contain the following information: Date of surgery Animal identification Type of procedure Type of anesthetic including dose (mg/kg) and route of administration Protocol # Surgeon Anesthetist Heart rate, respiration, and temperature must be continuously monitored and recorded every 15 minutes Response to noxious stimuli must be assessed and recorded every 15 minutes when paralytics are used. Time of Euthanasia Method of Euthanasia (include dose(mg/kg) and route) Complication Must be maintained for three years after the protocol has expired
G.	Use of Expired Materials: IACUC approval is required for the use of expired materials. In accordance with animal welfare regulations, the IACUC may approve the use of expired materials, providing their use does not compromise the validity of the scientific study or adversely affect the animalÍs well-being. The use of expired drugs administered to relieve pain or distress (e.g., anesthetic, analgesic) and emergency drugs are prohibited.
H.	Euthanasia: The method of euthanasia used should be consistent with the 1993 AVMA Panel on Euthanasia and must be listed in the approved IACUC protocol. Variations must be approved by the IACUC (Form 4), in advance.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY YALE UNIVERSITY IACUC:  7/19/00

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Last Modified: July 30, 2001

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