Antibody Production in Live Animals Definitions Monoclonal Antibodies – created by identical immune cells that are cloned from a unique parent cell Polyclonal Antibodies – created by several different immune cells Adjuvant – an agent that stimulates the immune system.  Adjuvants can be inorganic (e.g. alum) or organic (e.g. Complete Freund’s Adjuvant) Ascites – antibody-rich…

Laboratory & Vivarium Security General Guidelines The use of animals in research is controversial and elicits strong emotions and responses in some individuals.  Acts of vandalism and violence have occurred on several UC campuses, including right here at UC Irvine.  Common-sense dictates that all research personnel exercise caution to protect themselves, their research, and the…

PI Guidelines About Volunteers in Animal Labs The use of live animals in research is a controversial subject that elicits strong responses from its opponents. Acts of vandalism and intimidation have occurred here at UCI as well as on other UC campuses, and many animal-rights organizations have openly publicized their willingness to infiltrate laboratories and…

Personal Protective Equipment PPE and Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)Guidance on recommended/required PPE. Use this Tool The Need for Protective Clothing Working with laboratory animals exposes research personnel and students to unique risks:  in addition to the usual hazards associated with all laboratory work (e.g., cuts, scratches, burns), there are the added risk of injury…

IACUC Guidance on Categorizing and Minimizing Pain and Distress Background, Assumptions and Definitions The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee strives to support UCI as a world-class research facility.  As stewards of animal welfare, the committee recognizes its role in facilitating a deeper understanding of the importance of identifying and minimizing pain and distress associated…

Guidance Regarding Food or Water Restriction Food/Water Restriction Daily Log TemplateDaily Log Sheet for Food or Fluid Restriction in Research Animals Sample Log Overview and Definitions Some research projects require the regulation of food and/or water to achieve the desired experimental results; these procedures may be approved by the IACUC, provided they are carefully described…

Ensuring Animal Health and Welfare Federal Animal Welfare regulations and policies require that all registered research institutions have a written Program of Veterinary Care.  ULAR veterinarians, veterinary services personnel and vivarium/animal husbandry staff work together with research staff the IACUC to ensure the health and welfare of all animals used or intended for use in…

Staying in Compliance with the IACUC What is Noncompliance? Federal animal welfare regulations and guidelines require that all activities involving the use of live vertebrate animals must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC before any research may commence.  Common examples of regulatory noncompliance in the IACUC world include: Use of an experimental compound that…

Rodent Quarantine Policy Background Rodents are subject to a number of viral, bacterial and parasitic infestations that can impact their usefulness in research.  The IACUC has established a Quarantine Policy to safeguard the health and pathogen-free status of all UCI-maintained research animals.  All newly received animals are subject to a basic health evaluation; animals that…

Facility Inspections The UCI IACUC conducts physical inspections of all areas where live animals are housed or used. These inspections occur every six months. The facility inspection process provides an opportunity for IACUC members to interact with the research community, follow up on issues that may have been discussed during protocol review and answer questions…