Non-Human Primate Scan Policy

    

HomeNon-Human Primate Scan Policy

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide the procedure on MRI research scanners that routinely scan both human and animal subjects.

II. POLICY

Human subject and patient use must be first priority. Animal use of the scanners can only occur when it will not conflict with humans being scanned. Humans should never be able to directly see, hear, or otherwise identify that animals are nearby, were or are about to be used in the facility. All procedures must be followed as indicated below.

III. PERSONS OR AREAS AFFECTED

This policy applies to all employees, Principal Investigators, and research affiliates and personnel of the Department of Radiology at Northwestern University involved with non-human primate scans.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. The Directors of the Center for Translational Imaging are responsible for development and implementation of policies/procedures that address Departmental issues and ensure compliance with University and Hospital standards.
  2. The management team in the Radiology Department is also responsible for ensuring that all employees comply with these policies and procedures.
  3. Employees are responsible for being knowledgeable about and complying with University-wide and Department-specific policies.

V. PROCEDURES

  1. Veterinary staff must accompany and provide anesthesia for non-human primate scans.
  2. If non-human primates are to anesthetized and maintained with gas anesthesia, the anesthesia tubing must be provided by the PI prior to scan time. Tubing can remain in the room so long as it is off the floor and contained in a bag. Otherwise respiratory tubing must be removed from the scanner and control room after each animal scan and stored in designated area.
  3. CTI staff will not handle non-human primates
  4. No non-human primates can be allowed to touch any of the permanent or non-permanent equipment in CTI with the exception of monitoring equipment (ex. SPO2). Therefore all surfaces that a primate can potentially touch in CTI scanner must be covered with disposable under pads.
  5. The lower half of larger animals (non-human primates, dogs, cats, swine etc.) will be placed in garbage bags to collect bodily waste
  6. All surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned with appropriate germicidal cleaner after completion of all non-human primate scans.
  7. Any permanent monitoring equipment that is used during a primate scan must be cleaned afterwards using a bacterial and virucidal cleaning product.
  8. Air freshener should be used on species that may exude offensive odor such as swine or non-human primates
  9. There will be a minimum of one hour rest period for scanner in between animal and human scans
  10. All biohazards will be disposed according to Northwestern University Policy.

Responsible Party: Alexander Korutz, MD Assistant Professor of Radiology