Standard Operating Procedure for Use of Streptozotocin in Large Animals

Title

Standard Operating Procedure for Use of Streptozotocin in Large Animals

Version 1.0

Purpose

This document establishes a procedure for the safe handling and use of streptozotocin, commonly known as STZ (CAS# 18883-66-4), in the university Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) large animal facilities. STZ is a flammable solid and suspected of causing genetic defects and cancer. STZ is commonly used to induce diabetes in animals. It is a non-volatile solid and inhalation of dust should be prevented. Once STZ is injected, animals, animal waste and cages/pens are considered hazardous for a minimum of 48 hours. Based on the risk associated with the use of STZ the safety procedures outlined below are required by all research staff and DCM employees when working with STZ in DCM facilities.

Requirements

Animal Housing

  • A “Chemical Hazard” sign should be posted on the entry door to indicate STZ use.
  • The IACUC Chemical Hazard form should be posted on animal pen to indicate STZ use.
  • Individual pens should be marked with a yellow chemical hazard card.

Administrative Controls

  • The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) “Use of Chemical Hazards in Animals” form should be submitted and approved by EHS prior to working with STZ in animals.
  • Anyone who handles STZ or works with animals that have been treated with STZ is required to review this SOP and the attached Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to work.
  • STZ is associated with adversely affecting fertility, embryonic development, and neonatal development. Employees who are pregnant, nursing, or actively trying to conceive are advised to avoid contact with STZ, and animals, for at least 48 hours after the most recent administration of STZ. Consult with your physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or actively trying to conceive (of either gender).

Engineering Controls

  • The solution and/or syringe preparation of STZ should be conducted under exhaust ventilation in a chemical fume hood or ducted Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).

Personal Protective Equipment

Sample Preparation

  • Fluid resistant apron or lab coat
  • Wear double nitrile gloves when preparing STZ solutions.
  • Wear puncture resistant gloves over nitrile gloves when dispensing STZ to prevent accidental needle sticks.
  • Safety glasses when handling STZ.
  • When transporting STZ, the vials should be placed in secondary, sealed, plastic, labeled, non-breakable containers

Pen Clean-up (Hosing down animal pens and waste)

  • Wear double nitrile gloves.
  • Tyvek suit or Tyvek sleeves over fluid resistant apron or lab coat.
  • Face shield and safety glasses.

Waste Disposal

  • All pig/hog carcasses are to be rendered. Other animal carcasses are to be incinerated.
  • Animal waste should be hosed down with excess water to sewer drain.
  • Syringes and other sharps should be placed in puncture resistant sharps container. Do not recap needles.  Bring Sharps container into pen so that needles can be disposed of immediately after dosing.
  • Unused solutions of STZ and contaminated solid waste will be disposed of as hazardous material.

Accidents or Injury

  • Animal bites do not pose any increased risk. As per standard policy, report to supervisor.
  • In the event of a needle stick flush the area with copious amount of water and contact the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (919-966-9119).
  • If STZ solution or animal waste is splashed on an individual or in eyes flush for 15 minutes with copious quantities of water using the safety shower or eye wash stations and contact the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (919-966-9119).

Spill Procedure

  • Do not attempt to clean-up if you feel unsure of your ability to do so or if you perceive the risk to be greater than normal laboratory operations.
  • If a small spill occurs absorb with absorbent pads. Decontaminate area with bleach or detergent.  Double bag contaminated solid waste and submit for hazardous material disposal.
  • If a large spill occurs notify others in the area and evacuate room immediately. Contact EHS (919-962-5507) during working hours and 911 if after hours.

Contact

Environment, Health and Safety Department 

1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507

Details

Article ID: 136999
Created
Tue 11/30/21 4:20 PM
Modified
Mon 8/1/22 5:01 PM
Effective Date
If the date on which this document became/becomes enforceable differs from the Origination or Last Revision, this attribute reflects the date on which it is/was enforcable.
01/03/2022 12:00 AM
Issuing Officer
Name of the document Issuing Officer. This is the individual whose organizational authority covers the policy scope and who is primarily responsible for the policy.
Issuing Officer Title
Title of the person who is primarily responsible for issuing this policy.
Executive Director
Last Review
Date on which the most recent document review was completed.
11/30/2021 12:00 AM
Next Review
Date on which the next document review is due.
11/30/2023 12:00 AM
Origination
Date on which the original version of this document was first made official.
11/30/2021 12:00 AM
Responsible Unit
School, Department, or other organizational unit issuing this document.
Environment Health and Safety