Purpose

The use of expired medical materials such as drugs, fluids, or sutures on animals is not considered to be acceptable veterinary practice and does not constitute adequate veterinary care as required by current animal care and use regulations.

Action

1. No expired drugs, fluid replacements, or surgical/medical materials used for analgesic or anesthetic purposes are allowed for use in animals utilized for research, testing, or teaching purposes.

2. All expired materials must be discarded on, or before, their expiration date.

3. Expired drugs or materials are not allowed for use in terminal procedures unless described and justified in the animal care and use protocol and approved by the IACUC.

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