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> NCI-BETHESDA ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER

May 2004

**[Revised Animal Study Proposal]{.underline}**

We are pleased to announce the revision of the NCI-Bethesda Animal Study
Proposal (ASP) form and Modification form. The revised ASP form now
includes introductory pages on the most common comments made by the
ACUC, and guidance as to how to avoid them. The NCI Training and
Experience form, which is part of the proposal form, has also been
revolutionized to cut down the amount of paperwork. Visit our
[website](http://camp.nci.nih.gov/science/olar/asb/proposal/proposalforms.html)
to download the new forms. And remember, NCI-Bethesda periodically
updates its forms. Always visit our website in order to ensure you are
using a current version.

**[Euthanasia Using CO]{.underline}**~2~

The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia states that death must be assured following
euthanasia. There are signs posted on the euthanasia chambers in the
animal facilities to provide guidance on proper use of CO~2~. If it is
your first time performing this procedure you need to contact one of the
facility technicians to provide hands-on training.

The proper use of CO~2~ is to keep the animals in the chamber for a
prolonged amount of time. Species should be separated and chambers
should not be overcrowded. [Gas flow should be maintained for at least 1
minute after apparent clinical death]{.underline}. It is important to
verify that an animal is dead before removing it from the chamber. If an
animal is not dead, CO~2~ narcosis must be followed with another method
of euthanasia.

LASP-Bethesda offers services to euthanize animals at no charge. Contact
our office for questions or more information.

**[Mandibular Bleeding]{.underline}**

This is a new and easy technique we encourage you to use, especially in
place of retro-orbital bleeding when possible. The mandibular bleed
technique appears to be minimally traumatic and minimally stressful. It
can be performed quickly and maximum volumes can be readily obtained.
This technique could also be useful to repeat bleeding. The technique
involves restraining an awake mouse by hand. A hypodermic needle (up to
20 gauge 1 inch in size) is used to percutaneously puncture the facial
artery/vein under the angle of the mandible. The blood is then collected
by free catch.

The technique is easy to learn and LASP offers training to anyone
interested. Contact one of our veterinary staff to make an appointment.
Contact Aylin Tat to also receive a video footage of this technique.

**[Scientific Review by Deputy Director]{.underline}**

The Deputy Director will now review animal Study Proposals that are
written by a Laboratory or a Branch Chief that used to require the
Scientific Director's signature for certification of review and approval
on the basis of scientific merit.

**[Animal Study Proposal Submission Deadlines]{.underline}**

The submission deadline for animal study proposals is four weeks prior
to the ACUC meeting. This timetable allows adequate amount of time both
for LASP to conduct a high quality pre-review and for the investigator
to respond to LASP's comments in time before the meeting. In return,
animal study proposals are fine-tuned to help speed up the approval
process. For meeting dates and submission deadlines [click
here](http://oacu.od.nih.gov/ARAC/index.htm).

# NCI-ACUC Policy Changes

The ACUC has recently revised the following policies:

## Disposition of Animal Study Proposals

[Click
here](http://camp.nci.nih.gov/science/olar/asb/iacuc/policycontent.html#G/P)
for more information on NCI-ACUC Policies.

### ARAC Guidelines Changes

The Office of Animal Care and Use (OACU) has recently revised the
following:

-   *Classifying Deficiencies Identified During Semiannual Reviews*

-   *Procedures for Response to Animal Care and Use Complaints from
    outside the NIH*

-   *Communications Among Collaborating ICs and ACUCs*

-   *NIH Animal Transportation*

-   *Housing Multiple Species in Large Laboratory Animals*

[Click here](http://oacu.od.nih.gov/ARAC/index.htm) for more information
on ARAC Guidelines.

##### Mouse Disease Update

MHV quarantines have been lifted from all NCI-operated animal rooms in
Bethesda. Previous concerns about a different newer infection (MVM or
Mouse Parvovirus) have also been alleviated since confirmatory and
follow-up test results recently returned negative.

### Fun Stuff: Self-Quiz

When should you submit a renewal for your animal study proposal?

a.  One week prior to its expiration

b.  One month prior to its expiration

c.  At least two months prior to its expiration

*(Answer below)*

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.1569444444444446in" height="1.9625in"}

Answer is c. Renewals must be submitted at least two months prior to
expiration date in order to allow enough time to secure an approval
prior to expiring. Otherwise, animals on expired proposals become
property of the ACUC where there can be no data collection until a
renewal is approved.