The top of the vial or mouth of the container containing solutions for injection must be kept clean and wiped with alcohol or flamed before drawing up the solution. Inoculation of even a few organisms into an intravenous catheter may result in death of the animal due to sepsis. The location of the area used for major rodent surgery is not critical but should be located in a portion of the laboratory that is not heavily traveled. The immediate surgical area should be disinfected prior to and between surgeries to decrease dust borne contamination and should not be used for other purposes during the time of surgery. Surgical instruments must be sterile.
Heat sterilization is ideal.
Agents such as chlorine dioxide or gluteraldehydes can be used for cold sterilization. Chlorine dioxide is not documented as being toxic to animal tissue but will corrode stainless steel instruments. Gluteraldehyde must be thoroughly rinsed off of instruments with sterile saline or water before use of delicate items, such as drills and burrs. Disinfectants should be replaced when contaminated with blood or other body fluids. Performing pre-surgical evaluations help insure your prospective patients are not overtly ill.