Policy #16
Approved May 7, 2007
Amended November 2, 2009

Guidelines for Maintenance of Rodent Guillotines

References:
2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia

Purpose:
This policy is intended to provide guidelines, which meet regulatory requirements, for the maintenance and record keeping of rodent guillotines used for euthanasia. 

Policy:
Rodents must be euthanized by trained personnel using appropriate techniques and equipment.  The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia recommends that guillotines be in good working order and serviced on a regular basis to ensure sharpness of the blades; The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that methods of euthanasia should be consistent with the AVMA’s recommendations

1. Before use the guillotine should be inspected to insure that it is in good working condition, free of rust and has a smooth action.  Any problems with the device should be reported to the PI who is ultimately responsible for the guillotine. 
2. Personnel using a guillotine are responsible for its proper cleaning after use.  Suggested methods include rinsing the device after use in running water with a final rinse with 70% alcohol to promote drying.  Guillotines should also be periodically lubricated (a silicone spray product is suggested for lubrication).
3. Guillotines must be inspected at a minimum of every twelve months, and should be sharpened as often as needed.  The frequency of sharpening will depend on the animal species involved and volume of use.  The responsibility to re-sharpen the guillotine rests with the PI.
4. Checking to ensure that the guillotine blades are sufficiently sharp is up to the individual lab.  A suggested method includes using a fresh rodent carcass of an animal that has been euthanized in another protocol-approved manner.  
5. Blade sharpening can be provided by any reputable tool-sharpening company, the machine shop through Facilities Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison can also re-sharpen blades; Kevin Smith can be contacted at (ksmith@fpm.wisc.edu) or 265-4226 for more information. Evidence of maintenance will be inspected on a semi-annual basis by the ACUC.

Investigator Responsibilities
The investigator must abide by these guidelines and maintain a log of guillotine maintenance and use.

Veterinary Staff and Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) Responsibilities
The veterinary staff and LAR will monitor research staff compliance with these guidelines.

 

ACUC Oversight
The ACUC shall review conformity to these guidelines, and enforce compliance.

 

16-Guillotine Maintenance.pdf

List of ACUC Policies