Euthanasia Of Mouse And Rat Neonates Using Isoflurane
The ARAC Guideline For the Euthanasia of Mouse and Rat Fetuses and Neonates provide recommendations for the euthanasia of prenatal and neonatal animals. The following guideline is supplementary information to that guideline to assist proposals that involve the euthanasia of rodent neonates and choose to use Isoflurane in place of other approved methods as described in the ARAC Guideline.
NCI has specialized jars in all of its Bethesda animal facilities for this purpose. Neonates are placed in the jar segregated from ½ oz of isoflurane soaked into gauze (used with appropriate safety considerations for isoflurane) and kept there for a minimum of 20 minutes. Our studies show that some animals kept less than 20 minutes in the jar may wake up after one hour. After 20 minutes Standard Operating Procedure should be followed to discard the carcasses. Isoflurane vapors are contained within a fume hood or by use of a downdraft table.
The jar must be wiped clean between each use and the isoflurane soaked gauze needs to be replaced as well.
Lab Animal Sciences Program can be contacted at 496-1866 to schedule an appointment with one of the veterinarians for a hands-on training session.
NCI Animal Care and Use Committee - Approved 10/28/2004
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