Policy Info: Effective July 15, 2021, all laboratory personnel responsible for performing surgery (both survival and non-survival) on rodents must complete IACUC-mandated training. All new Proposals, 3-year renewal Proposals, and study participant additions will be subject to this training requirement. These training requirements do not have to be re-completed for surgeons working with multiple types of rodent species. However, the IACUC recommends scheduling surgery observation if changing rodent species to ensure best practices are followed. As a condition for continued authorization to work with animals, individual surgeons are expected to complete surgery refresher training every three years. This refresher training may be completed by scheduling CMRU veterinarian observation of a surgery performed within the laboratory or procedure room. Further information is available in the IACUC policy, "Required Training."
In general, a procedure is considered surgical when it involves cutting of tissues or closure of a previously sustained wound. Anesthetic events for imaging or other procedures that do not involve cutting tissue, are usually considered non-surgical procedures and would not require these courses. If you would like to set up anesthesia training, arrangements can be made by contacting the IACUC Office.
NOTE: Individuals must complete occupational health and safety enrollment (1.) "Occ. Health..." CITI course and 2.) the health survey) and be an approved project participant on an IACUC Proposal (or pending approval) before attending these courses.
Required Training:
Non-survival surgery:
- The online CITI Program course titled “Rodent Aseptic Surgery"
- Rodent Non-survival Surgery Training or Surgery Observation. Surgeons may complete this training requirement by attending the Rodent Non-survival Surgery hands-on training course with a CMRU veterinarian or designated veterinary staff, or by scheduling CMRU veterinarian observation of a non-survival surgery performed within the laboratory or procedure room by the surgeon.
Survival Surgery
- The online CITI Program course titled “Post-Procedure Care of Mice and Rats in Research: Minimizing Pain and Distress”
- The online CITI Program course titled “Rodent Aseptic Surgery"
- Rodent Surgery I and II, or Surgery Observation. Surgeons may complete this training requirement by attending the Rodent Surgery I and Rodent Surgery II hands-on training courses with a CMRU veterinarian, or by scheduling CMRU veterinarian observation of a surgery performed within the laboratory or procedure room by the surgeon.
The two CITI Program Courses MUST be completed at least 24 hours before attending Rodent Surgery I or a scheduled Rodent Surgery Observation.
Use the instructions below except select the courses “Post-Procedure Care of Mice and Rats in Research: Minimizing Pain and Distress” and “Rodent Aseptic Surgery."
Instructions for Registering a NEW CITI Account for Level II and OHS(for users who do not have a CITI account) NOTE: You must register with the UofL ID version of your email address (e.g., t0tull01@louisville.edu).
Instructions for Adding new courses to an EXISTING CITI Account for Level II and OHS(for users who already have a CITI account)
Rodent Surgery I
Rodent Surgery I discusses the current IACUC policy requirements as well as best practices for successful rodent surgery. The hands-on portion of the class teaches how to use an isoflurane gas anesthesia machine, induce general anesthesia, assess the depth of anesthesia, prepare a surgical site, maintain a sterile field, recover animals from anesthesia, and complete surgical/anesthesia records. Proper aseptic technique will be emphasized. Rodent Surgery I is a prerequisite to attending Rodent Surgery II. The training is held in the MDR basement and lasts approximately 2 hours. Note: all personnel are required to complete the basic rodent biomethodolgy course; Rodent Surgery I/II are advanced courses and do not cover injection techniques, euthanasia, or animal handling.
Rodent Surgery II
Rodent Surgery II builds upon the preceding course by introducing basic surgical techniques. This includes proper surgical approach, tissue handling, and closing incisions using sutures and/or wound clips. Participants will practice these techniques and troubleshoot common problems encountered during rodent surgeries. Note: Rodent Surgery I is a prerequisite to this course. The training is held in the MDR basement and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Rodent Surgery I & II RESERVATION REQUEST FORM
Rodent Non-Survival Surgery
Non-Survival Rodent Surgery discusses the current IACUC policy requirements as well as best practices for successful rodent surgery, focused on non-survival procedures. This hands-on class teaches how to use an isoflurane gas anesthesia machine, induce general anesthesia, assess the depth of anesthesia, prepare a surgical site, proper surgical approach, tissue handling, complete surgical/anesthesia records, and finally euthanasia techniques under anesthesia. Participants will practice these techniques and troubleshoot common problems encountered during rodent surgeries. Rodent Surgery I and Rodent Surgery II can be taken in the place of Non-Survival Rodent Surgery. The training is held in the MDR basement and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Non-Survival Surgery RESERVATION REQUEST FORM
Surgery Observation – PREFERRED FOR EXPERIENCED SURGEONS
Surgery Observation is only available to experienced personnel, as described in the IACUC Participant Training Log and confirmed by the IACUC Office. This method is preferred for experienced surgeons and the observation is performed by a CMRU veterinarian. Inexperienced personnel must attend the hands-on training courses (Rodent Surgery I and Rodent Surgery II). Surgery observation is performed in your lab (or where you perform surgery), which allows for personalized assessment & recommendations. This will include assessment of surgical preparation, aseptic technique, administration of anesthetics and analgesics, monitoring of animals, procedural technique, suturing, post-operative care, recordkeeping, euthanasia (non-survival surgery), and any other pertinent items related to the performance of surgery and animal welfare. Surgeons determined to have inadequate proficiency during surgery observation will be required to complete the Rodent Surgery I and Rodent Surgery II hands-on training courses, at the discretion of the CMRU veterinarian.
Surgery Observation RESERVATION REQUEST FORM