/ ANIMAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
RADIATION SAFETY LEVEL 1B (RSL-1B)
Non-terminal studies with “short-lived” radioisotopes
Radiation - Any radioisotopes with short half-lives, such as I-125, I-131, Tc-99m, P-32, S-35, and Cr-51 that are used in animals that are maintained for a period after treatment.
Insert Name of Radioisotopes:
Investigator Responsibility /
  • PI will inform IAS veterinary staff prior to initiating isotope experiments in animals and keep IAS informed about the status of room. This will be accomplished by BOTH room signs and contacting the attending clinical veterinarian directly.
  • Arrangements must be made for isolation/quarantine housing of animals.
  • Fresh micro-isolator caging will be used for the animals at the time of administration.
  • Radiation Sign must be posted on the door of the room in which the animals will be housed while experiments are in progress.
  • Cages will be labeled with a pink card with the following information:
1.Name of isotope delivered to animal
2.Approximate dose
3.Date of administration
4.Date of bedding change
5.Contact Information
  • Animal husbandry is performed by PI staff during period when isotope is present in animals until 10 half-lives.
  • Cards and door signs must be removed by the researcher once the hazard is no longer present.
  • Radioactive carcasses are held in a specially designated freezer within the PI’s laboratory for > 10 half-lives prior to being discarded as non-radioactive animal carcasses.
  • Consult with the Radiation Safety Officer concerning shielding requirements.

Entry Requirements /
  • Access limited to PI staff and selected veterinary staff.
  • All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gown, gloves, face mask, shoe covers and cap must be worn to enter animal room.
  • Hands must be washed upon exiting animal room.
  • Surgical mask, goggles, faceshield or use of a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) are required when conducting research.

Cage Change /
  • Animal waste and contaminated bedding shall be handled to minimize generation of dust and aerosols.
  • Radioactive bedding and cages will be held in “red bags” and labeled with the isotope and start date and anticipated decay date.
  • Once 10 half-lives are reached, the bag and cages are surveyed to verify that waste has decayed.
  • Dispose of bedding in medical waste bin and transfer cages to IAS staff.

Decontamination and Spill Procedure /
  • If no other agent is involved, IAS cages will be sanitized by standard IAS practices
  • In the event of a radioactive spill, the area will be immediately restricted and cleaned and surveyed by laboratory personnel.
  • Equipment and work surfaces must be routinely cleaned with 10% freshly prepared bleach or appropriate disinfectant. All equipment must be decontaminated prior to leaving the animal room.

Monitoring / Animal monitoring/room checks performed by PI staff that has received specialized instructions from IAS.
Animal Checks / Animal checks daily (7 days per week) by:
Name: / Phone: / After Hours Phone:
Holding Time
(Must be provided) / Indicate specific holding time for animals below:
Additional Information Not Covered Above / Provide additional information not covered above here:
Hazard Sign / Please attach the hazard sign that will be affixed on the door where animals are to be housed. The appropriate sign can be downloaded from the IACUC Website