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Prolonged Physical Restraint (IACUC)

Last updated on June 6, 2023 4 min read Prolonged Physical Restraint (IACUC)

Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to observing federal policies and regulations and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International standards for the humane care and use of animals. The intent of this policy is to define what the BU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) considers prolonged physical restraint and to establish guidelines for research protocols that use prolonged physical restraint on conscious animals. Adherence to this policy is mandatory unless a specific exception has been approved by the IACUC.

Covered Parties

This policy is applicable to all persons responsible for conducting research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities, hereinafter referred to collectively as “activities”, involving live vertebrate animals conducted at or under the auspices of Boston University.

University Policy

Prolonged restraint (restraint over 15 minutes) of conscious animals may have the potential to cause harm or stress to the restrained animal and should be used only when other means are not feasible. Prior to using prolonged restraint on conscious animals, the Principal Investigator (PI) must submit a new animal use protocol or update their approved protocol and receive IACUC approval. Use of prolonged restraint on animals is reviewed in accordance with the IACUC’s policy on the Review and Approval of Materials Submitted to the IACUC.

Guidelines for the use of prolonged restraint

  • Prolonged restraint should be avoided unless it is essential for achieving the research objectives that are impossible or impractical to accomplish by other means, or to prevent injury to animals or personnel. The use of prolonged restraint must be scientifically justified, and must be approved by the IACUC.
  • The type and maximal duration of restraint must be stated within the protocol. The period of restraint must be the minimum required to accomplish the project objectives, and when possible, animals placed in restraint devices should be offered positive reinforcements to acclimate to restraint equipment and related personnel in advance of experimentation.
  • Restraint devices must be suitable in size, design, and operation to minimize discomfort or injury to the animal. Less restrictive systems that do not limit an animal’s ability to make normal postural adjustments should be used if compatible with research or teaching objectives. Restraint devices must not be used simply as a convenience in handling or managing animals.
  • Provisions must be made for monitoring the animal at appropriate intervals. Veterinary care must be provided if lesions, illnesses, or hyper-responsiveness associated with restraint are observed. The presence of any lesion, illness, or severe behavioral change often necessitates temporary or permanent removal of the animal from restraint. Evidence of distress or behavioral change must be reported to the IACUC. The Attending Veterinarian (or designee) has the authority to terminate the restraint procedures at any point should there be signs of complications compromising the animal’s wellbeing.
  • Personnel using restraint procedures must be trained on the specific equipment, procedures, duration and monitoring. The purpose of the restraint and its duration should be clearly explained to personnel involved with the study.
  • The search for alternatives must include the phrase “prolonged restraint” or similar terms.

Responsible Parties

Principal Investigators are responsible for: preparing and submitting applications; making modifications in applications in order secure IACUC approval; ensuring adherence to approved protocols; ensuring that all personnel have completed required training; and reporting any adverse events to the IACUC.

The Animal Welfare Program and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are responsible for overseeing implementation of and ensuring compliance with this policy.

The Attending Veterinarian has been delegated authority and responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy.

Definitions

Attending Veterinarian: is an individual who has received training or experience in the care of the species being attended and who has direct or delegated authority for activities involving animals.

Boston University Animal Science Center (BU ASC): means the animal facility that oversees veterinary medical care and animal care services at BU, and actively participates in all facility design. Day-to-day care of animals and technical assistance are provided by animal caretakers.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): means the committee that is responsible for oversight and evaluation of the entire Animal Care and Use Program and its components as described in The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition. Its oversight functions include review and approval of proposed animal use (protocol review) and of proposed significant changes to animal use; regular inspection of facilities and animal use areas; regular review of the Program; ongoing assessment of animal care and use; and establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.

Physical restraint: is the use of manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal’s normal movement and ability to make normal postural adjustments for the purpose of examination, collection of samples, drug administration, therapy, or experimental manipulation. Personnel safety may also necessitate restraint of an animal.

Prolonged restraint: means physical restraint of a conscious animal lasting longer than 15 minutes.

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition

Review and Approval of Materials Submitted to the IACUC

Authority of the Attending Veterinarian

History

Effective Date: 06/06/2023
Next Review Date: 06/05/2026

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