Procedure to Follow for Injuries Associated with Laboratory Animals

Yale University
Institutional Animal Care
& Use Committee
New Haven CT
USA 06510

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Procedure to Follow for Injuries Associated with Laboratory Animals

PLEASE NOTE: This guide is not to be used for any animal exposures that involve either:
      a) a nonhuman primate
      b) an animal infected with a BL3 agent
      c) a poisonous/toxic and/or venomous species
All require a post exposure medical evaluation.

For injuries or exposure associated with nonhuman primates, please refer to the "Yale University Procedure to Follow for Injuries Associated with the Care and Use of Non-human Primates (NHP’S)".

For injuries or exposures associated with an animal infected with a BL3 agent, please contact the Yale University Health Services, Employee Health Department, 432-7978, Student Medicine 432-0312).

For injuries associated with a poisonous/toxic and/or venomous species, an SOP is developed on a case by case basis with Employee Health and the researcher.

Background
Recognizing the inherent risks of scratch and/or bite when working with laboratory animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states "Clear procedures should be established for reporting all accidents, bites, scratches, and allergic reactions." The Yale University Health Services, Employee Health Department has established the following guidelines in the event that an employee or student is bitten or injured by a lab or research animal during the course of their work to address this concern.

Policy
Personnel sustaining injury from laboratory animals must follow the established guidelines below.

Employee Responsibilities

Wash bite wound area with antiseptic soap and water.
Report incident to supervisor, who will obtain information regarding the health status of the animal involved.
Assess needs for first aid treatment of the wound (e.g. Band-Aid) versus medical assessment by physician or designee for larger complex wounds, or deep punctures. It is strongly recommended that you contact Employee Health for any occupational injury and/or potential exposure. Medical attention may be obtained through the Yale University Health Services at 17 Hillhouse Ave. (Employee Health 432-7978, Student Medicine 432-0312).
Verify that tetanus status is up to date (within 10 years for routine bite wounds) and seek medical attention for booster if not up to date.

Health Care Provider Responsibilities

Administer local wound care and prophylactic antibiotics to patient based on current standards of practice, taking into consideration the species of biting animal.
Verify the health status of the animal with the patient, including inoculation of the animals with experimental infectious agents. The patient’s supervisor or Veterinary Clinical Services (785-2501) may be contacted for more information if necessary.
Assess the need for prophylactic treatment for additional agents such as rabies if clinically indicated or experimental infectious agents if indicated and available.
Assess need for tetanus booster update based on current CDC standards (currently every 10 years for routine purposes).
Determine patient’s ability to return to work/class and schedule follow up visits if necessary.

Reviewed and endorsed by the IACUC: 9/15/04