The ARC recently approved re-categorizing systemic or major organ (e.g., heart, liver, lung) perfusion from a non-survival surgery to a method of euthanasia for instances when tissues are only harvested after confirmation of death.
Why the change:
The ARC understands the burden that is placed on PIs when conducting animal research and periodically considers ways to remove unnecessary regulatory burden without sacrificing animal welfare. The current change is intended to benefit researchers, the ARC, and the administrative staff by reducing the frequency at which locations used for perfusion are required to be inspected. This change is based on communications with oversight bodies and is consistent with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition (p. 48).
How this will impact you:
1. ARC Protocol submissions
New and renewal protocols will be evaluated during the pre-review process and, if appropriate, edited in accordance with this procedural change by the ARC administrative reviewer on your behalf. If you wish to submit an amendment to take advantage of this change prior to protocol renewal, you are welcome to do so.
2. ARC Semiannual Inspections
Most laboratories that are subject to semiannual inspections for a non-survival surgery room that is used solely for perfusion procedures will see the frequency of these inspections reduce to approximately once every 24 months, so long as the location use does not change. The ARC office will provide details of the new inspection schedule during the last scheduled semiannual inspection.
It will take some time to roll out this change through the protocol review and inspection processes and we appreciate your patience during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 310-206-6308 or arc@research.ucla.edu if you have any questions.