Title
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Standard Operating Procedure for Use of Common Anesthetics in Animals
EHS SOP #: 013
Version No.: 1.0
Supercedes: N/A
Introduction
Purpose
This document establishes procedures for the safe handling and use of common anesthetics in University Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) facilities and research laboratories. Common injectable anesthetics agents include ketamine, xylazine, 2,2,2-tribromoethanol.
Scope
This Standard Operating Procedure applies to all research staff and DCM employees when working with these common anesthetic agents in DCM facilities.
Standard Operating Procedure
Common Anesthetic Agents and Health Effects
Ketamine is a widely used anesthetic for laboratory animals. Exposure to ketamine includes disorientation, confusion, or loss of motor coordination. It is considered an acute oral toxin under GHS Classification (Category 4; harmful if swallowed) and may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Controlled Substances Act and has strict requirements for purchase, storage, handling, and use due to its potential for abuse.
Xylazine is frequently used with ketamine as an anesthetic agent for laboratory animals. Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant and exposure includes drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and slowed heart rate. It is considered an acute oral toxin under GHS Classification (Category 3; toxic if swallowed). Xylazine is currently not a controlled substance under the DEA Controlled Substances Act, however, it should still be kept locked and secured.
2,2,2-Tribromoethanol (also known as Avertin or TBE) is a common anesthetic used in laboratory animals that may be used in place of ketamine, xylazine, or inhalable anesthetic agents like isoflurane due to some research objectives. Exposure to tribromoethanol can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory irritation, and inflammation. It is considered an acute oral toxin under GHS Classification (Category 4; harmful if swallowed). TBE is not a controlled substance under the DEA Controlled Substances Act, however, it should still be kept locked and secured.
Requirements
1. Administrative Controls
- The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) “Use of Chemical Hazards in Animals” form is not required for submission for use of the common injectable anesthetic agents listed in this SOP.
- Anyone who handles these common anesthetic agents or works with animals to administer these anesthetic agents are required to review this SOP and the attached Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to work.
- For use of ketamine, the laboratory must obtain a DEA and state license. The laboratory may not borrow or use another laboratoryries controlled substances to administer to animals. For more information on controlled substances, see Chapter 9 of the Laboratory Safety Manual.
- Ketamine mixtures, solids, or stock solutions need to be kept locked and secured at all times following DEA and state regulations for controlled substances. These must be returned to the registered DEA location at the end of the solutions use and cannot be stored or kept away from the registered location overnight.
2. Engineering Controls
- Procedures that involve handling and dissolving solid forms of anesthetic agents must be conducted under exhaust ventilation in a chemical fume hood or ducted Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- For handling, dissolving, or preparing mixtures of anesthetic agents, nitrile gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses are required.
- When in DCM facilities, PPE use must be consistent with facility policy.
4. Waste Disposal
- Unused solutions of tribromoethanol and xylazine and contaminated solid waste will be disposed of as hazardous material through EHS.
- Dilutions and left-over syringe amounts of ketamine or mixtures containing ketamine can be placed into kitty litter or another appropriate absorbent material. Once full, dispose of as hazardous material through EHS.
- Syringes and other sharps should be placed in puncture resistant sharps container. Do not recap needles.
- Unused solutions or expired solutions of ketamine in original manufacturer packaging and containers must go through witnessed destruction with EHS. Contact chemsafety@office.unc.edu to schedule this.
5. Accidents or Injuries
- Animal bites do not pose any increased risk. As per standard policy, report to supervisor.
- If an anesthetic agent solution is splashed on an individual or in eyes flush for 15 minutes with copious quantities of water and contact the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (919-966-9119).
6. Spill Procedures
- 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.
- Spills containing ketamine or other controlled substances must be immediately reported to EHS (919-962-5507).
- If a small spill occurs absorb with absorbent pads. Double bag contaminated solid waste and contact EHS (919-962-5507) to report the spill and receive proper disposal procedures.
- If a small spill occurs (tribromoethanol, xylazine), absorb with absorbent pads. Double bag contaminated solid waste and submit as a hazardous material through EHS.
- 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 Information
Primary Contact
Office: Environment, Health & Safety
Address: 1120 Estes Drive, Campus Box #1650, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507