Training

All personnel that will be working with laboratory animals must be listed on the IACUC Protocol and complete all necessary training and documentation.  The links below with provide you with information on the training procedures and requirements. These are listed in order of suggested completion.

1. Enrollment in the Occupational Health Program:

We care about the safety of all personnel working with or around laboratory animals. Therefore, it is important for these individuals to enroll in our Occupational Health Program.

• Complete the Medical History Questionnaire form.
• Acquire a copy of Td/Tdap Record.  Be sure to have an electronic copy ready to upload when filling out the form.
  • If a vaccination or mask fit test is needed, feel free to schedule an appointment with Priority Care 817-735-2273.

2. Completion of CITI Training Requirements:

In effort to help maintain a culture of compliance, we want to ensure that all personnel working with animals are aware of the regulations and guidelines that govern laboratory animal research, as well as, ensuring an understanding of the importance of maintaining animal welfare. Therefore, we require all personnel working with laboratory animals to complete the following online CITI training modules:

• Required Courses:
  • Working with the IACUC (Investigators, Staff and Students)
  • Minimizing (Reducing) Pain and Distress
  • Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM)
  • Species Specific (based on species used, ask mentor if unknown)
    • For example, if working with mice, select “I work with Mice” or “Working with Mice in Research”
• Additional Courses (based on work performed):
  • Antibody Production
  • Aseptic Surgery
  • Essentials for IACUC Members (IACUC Chairs, Members and Coordinators)
  • Refresher Course (reserved for special circumstances)
• Other Information:
  • Instructions for CITI
  • CITI Training Website

3. DLAM Policy & Handling Training:

In addition to the CITI Training, we have our in house training, which provides training for conducting laboratory animal research at UNTHSC.

• Training Registration:
  • Please complete the Training Request Form to register for this training.
• Required Courses:
  • DLAM Policy Training (Online Course)
    • You will receive an emailed invitation from Canvas to access this course
      • Go to Canvas
      • Click on the DLAM Course Card from the Dashboard
      • On the home page, click on Policy Training under the Trainings header
      • Complete each module for completion
  • DLAM Animal Handling Techniques Training
    • By appointment only. Email Katey Mask to schedule
• Additional Courses:
  • Aseptic Surgical Techniques Training (Canvas Online Course – see above)
    • Required for anyone performing procedures requiring aseptic handling (such as survival surgery)
  • BSL-2 Training (Canvas Online Course – see above)
    • Required for anyone working in BSL-2 areas
  • Surgery and Surgery Prep Room Setup
  • Donning Sterile Surgical Gloves: Video
  • How to Prepare a Surgery Site: Video
  • Isoflurane Anesthesia Machine: Setup and Training
  • Suture Information (All Species): Lab
  • Tail Vein Injection: Handout and Video
  • Tail Vein Blood Collection: Handout and Video
  • Eye Blood Collection in Mice
  • Cheek Pouch Blood Collection: Handout
  • Gavage Training: Handout and Video
  • Catheter Placement (All Species): Demonstration
  • IM, SQ, IP Injections: Demonstrations
  • Specific Surgery Procedures: Handout and Demonstrations

4. Key/Card Key Authorization Request Form:

• After completing the required training, you may request access to DLAM-controlled areas on campus. Please email DLAM@unthsc.edu with the following information:
  1. Your name and HSC email
  2. Your PI/Faculty Member
  3. Department
  4. Name of Department Head
  5. The building and rooms to which you need access

  PLEASE ALLOW DLAM TO COMPLETE THE REQUEST FORM AND ROUTE IT FOR SIGNATURES.

  DLAM will complete the request form and send it through DocuSign for your signature, that of your department head, and the DLAM Facility Manager. We will then route the form to BadgeAccess@unthsc.edu  and copy you on it. Please retain this form for your records, in the event that you need to contact that office for further help. They will notify you by email when you have access, and with information on picking up keys, if needed. DLAM does not control access to rooms anywhere outside the vivarium. Please make access requests to additional rooms or labs through your department.

  For any access issues after it is granted, please call the access control office at 817-735-5040.

5. Included on an Active Animal Care and Use Protocol:

Before being able to conduct any animal research, all personnel must receive the occupational health and training requirements listed above, and be included on an active animal care and use protocol. To do this, you may simply be listed on a new protocol form, or added to an existing protocol through an amendment form. You may find both of these forms on the forms section of the IACUC’s website.

Feel free to contact our IACUC office (817-735-2533; IACUC@unthsc.edu) should you have any questions regarding the Occupational Health and Training Requirements.