Dear PIs,

The IACUC would like to inform all researchers of the requirements regarding the management of inactive IACUC approved animal procedure rooms. Please disseminate this information to all researchers and personnel under your supervision who are involved in animal work and/or the management of animal procedure rooms.

1. Notification to IACUC Office

   PIs are required to notify the IACUC Office via email if an IACUC approved animal procedure room will not be used for live animal work for more than six (6) months.

2. Inactive Procedure Rooms

   IACUC-approved animal procedure rooms that are not used for live animal work for more than six (6) months will be classified as inactive.

3. Signages for Inactive Procedure Rooms (see attachments)

Inactive procedure rooms must display notices indicating that:

• An IACUC inspection is required before live animal work can resume in the room; and
• Equipment must be re-serviced, based on its last service date, before it can be used for live animal work again.

The required notices are as follows:

We would appreciate your assistance in periodically reviewing your IACUC-approved animal procedure rooms and informing the IACUC Office if any room is inactive or is anticipated to remain unused for live animal work for more than six (6) months. Where resumption of animal work is planned, please notify the IACUC Office at least two (2) months in advance to facilitate the required inspection.

Should you have any questions, please contact the IACUC Office.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

IACUC Office

(on behalf of IACUC)

(Transmitted via email)

Dear PIs,

1. This email serves as an important reminder regarding key requirements for all anaesthesia‑related animal procedures.

2. As part of our ongoing program oversight—and in line with recommendations from the recent AAALAC re-accreditation site visit—we would like to reiterate the expectations for documentation and equipment maintenance when performing procedures involving anaesthesia.

3. Requirements for PIs Performing Surgical or Anaesthetic Procedures

(including terminal surgical procedures) in all animals‑use locations, including IACUC‑approved procedure rooms

PIs must ensure:

• Accurate documentation of anesthetic drug use with weight‑based dosing for each animal, in line with Controlled Substance Log requirements (see attached).
• Complete anesthesia monitoring records for all survival and non‑survival surgeries, including rodent surgeries, using the required forms. The required rodent surgery record forms are attached. Please refer to CM SOP 201 Rodent Surgery, Section 3H for guidance on their use.
• Accurate and complete record keeping, with all documents kept in your lab, readily accessible for review, and retained for at least 3 years after protocol completion.

4. Requirements for PIs with Anaesthetic Equipment in Their Laboratories (i.e., IACUC‑approved animal procedure rooms)

Please ensure that you:

• Perform routine maintenance and servicing of anaesthetic equipment (e.g., isoflurane vaporizers) according to manufacturer guidelines. Please contact the CM veterinary team if you require assistance for the servicing of your anaesthetic equipment.
• Weigh and document anaesthetic waste gas canister weight before each use, and replace the canister once it reaches the specified saturation limit. You may refer to CM SOP 110 Passive Gas Anaesthetic Waste Scavenging for details and contact the CM veterinary team if you require assistance.
• Inform the IACUC Office and the CM veterinary team of any new purchases or replacement of anaesthetic equipment to ensure accurate records and proper oversight.

5. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining consistent documentation and equipment standards across all animal-use areas. For any clarifications or support, please contact the IACUC Office or the CM veterinary team.

Thank you for your continued commitment to high standards of animal care and use.

Yours Sincerely

IACUC Office

(on behalf of IACUC)

Dear PIs,

We are writing to share the Preparation Checklist for the upcoming AAALAC Site Visit, scheduled from 4 to 6 March 2026. Please find the checklist attached for your reference.

We kindly request that you review the document and ensure your laboratory is prepared for the visit.

Key areas include:
• Ensuring all personnel are trained, listed on relevant IACUC protocols, and enrolled in Occupational Health
• Verifying animal cage cards and housing requirements
• Checking the validity of drugs, consumables, and records
• Ensuring procedure rooms and documentation are in full compliance with IACUC policies and CM SOPs

AAALAC site visitors may speak with you or members of your research team regarding your IACUC protocols and procedures, so familiarity with approved practices is essential.

Please also share this checklist with all members of your research team who work with animals, so they are aware of what to expect and can assist in ensuring your laboratory is fully prepared.

Should you require any assistance or clarification, please feel free to contact the IACUC Office or CM