Suggestions and Reminders About the ARC Review Process

ARC Protocol Expiration: Federal regulations require that animal activities be conducted only under an IACUC (ARC) approved protocol. As such, a lapse in ARC approval for ongoing research is a serious matter that must be avoided. You may not conduct animal activities following a lapse in ARC approval, and any costs incurred to maintain your animals during the lapse must … Read More

Requirements for Identifying and Reporting Medical Events Involving Radioactive Material

With the recent adoption of federal regulations governing the medical use of radioactive material, the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) would like to remind all clinical users of radioactive material of the requirements for the timely identification and reporting of medical events. Please see the attached document for specific criteria and reporting requirements.

Message from Vice Chancellor for Research James Economou

Vice Chancellor for Research James Economou sent a Deans and Directors Memo on May 1, 2012 regarding the reorganization of UCLA’s Radiation Safety Program and summary of goals for the coming year. Please see the attached document for the complete text.

Regulatory Guidance for PET Radiopharmaceuticals

Regulatory guidance went into effect December 12, 2011 regarding positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals used in clinical and research procedures. As of that date, production of PET radiopharmaceuticals must comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and/or USP chapter 823 guidelines and thus should be reflected in the MRSC/RDRC protocol reviews. For more information about the changes, please see the … Read More

Radiation Safety Committee Reorganization

At the request of Vice Chancellor for Research James Economou, the Radiation Safety Committee and subcommittees underwent reorganization in 2011 in order to better fulfill UCLA’s regulatory obligations and to enhance radiation safety for faculty, staff, students and patients. The Office of the Radiation Safety Committees (ORSC) was created to provide administrative support for each of these important committees. As … Read More

Laboratory Animal Allergens – What Are the Risks?

What are lab animal allergies and occupational asthma? Laboratory Animal Allergies (LAA) and Occupational Asthma (OA) develop from exposure to animal allergens, and are among the most common, serious occupational diseases of workers exposed to animals in laboratories. Please note that Principal Investigators are ultimately responsible for the safety of their laboratory staff. Need More Information?? For more information on … Read More

Updated Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

PHS Policy requires that institutions base their animal care and use programs on the most current version of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide). AAALAC also requires compliance with the Guide as a condition for accreditation. The 8th edition of the Guide was released in December 2010. Over the coming months, the ARC will … Read More

New Resources on Recognizing and Alleviating Pain & Distress in Laboratory Animals

The Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) recently published two new reference/guidance document entitled Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals (2009) and Recognition and Alleviation of Distress in Laboratory Animals (2008). Both publications can be reviewed for free online. Printed and PDF copies are also available for purchase. ILAR has also developed a companion website entitled Recognizing Pain … Read More

Elimination of Requirement for ARC Review of Program Projects and Training Grants

Effective May 6, 2009, the requirement for administrative ARC review of program projects and training grants has been removed. Research activities involving the use of vertebrate animals funded by program projects and training grants will of course continue to undergo separate ARC review and approval. OPRS/ARC is in the process of issuing written notification to all investigators whose projects previously … Read More