Cage Identification

Purpose

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has implemented a policy stating that all animal care and use at the Health Center will comply with the recommendations set forth in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th edition, 2011. This policy will detail the requirements for cage identification.

Action

1. All animal cages must be appropriately labeled. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to ensure that each cage is clearly identified with the following:

  • PI Name
  • Active Protocol Number
  • Species
  • Strain / Stock / Genetic Designation (either full name or a defined “nickname”[identified in the IACUC protocol(s)]) or GMO number
  • Sex
  • Date of Birth or Arrival Date / Age at Arrival

2. All cages housing animals exposed to or presenting a hazard must also be labeled with the Hazard Protocol Identification Number, the type of hazard associated with that cage (e.g., biohazard symbol or carcinogen / chemical hazard symbol / sticker), the specific hazard involved (e.g., infection with Leishmania spp.), the application date (when inoculated, exposed), and if appropriate, the clearance date.

Effective Dates: December 2, 2021 through December 30, 2024