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Guidelines for Working with Cadavers and Preserved Specimens
These bodies come from individuals who have bequeathed their bodies to science, hoping to make a contribution to education and/or scientific research. In appreciation, you shall treat all cadaver and organ donors with respect and adhere to the following guidelines and rules.
Any abuse of human specimens or unprofessional conduct may lead to the future unavailability of cadaver donors. Your compliance with the following rules is therefore required.
1.Food and Beverages. Absolutely, no eating or drinking is permitted in the anatomy lab at any time. Evidence exists that slow viruses (Creutzfeld-Jacob Diseases) may not be killed by cadaver preservative solutions. Furthermore, students may be exposed to chemical agents and other materials.
2.Admittance to the Anatomy Laboratory. Only anatomy instructors and students are allowed to be in the laboratory. You must request permission for all visitors from the instructor. Unauthorized individuals will be asked to leave the lab. Instructors must ensure the lab is securely closed when finished.
3.Cadaver Waste. One large plastic bin beneath each cadaver is for skin, scraps and body parts from that cadaver only. Dissected tissue scraps should be placed into these plastic bins, NOT in biohazard waste containers. The metal bucket hanging under each cadaver table is for draining fluid from the cadaver.
4. Hazardous Waste. Gloves and other materials contaminated with cadaver or specimen fluid belong in hazard bins. Uncontaminated waste and general garbage should not be placed in these bins.
4.Cadaver-Wetting Solutions. Large containers of cadaver-wetting solution will be located in the fume hood along with portable, refillable squirt bottles for the solution. It is your responsibility to keep the specimen moist. Please not that formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can cause short term effects like irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes and respiratory problems. All staff and students handling formaldehyde solutions should be familiar with the EH&S fact sheet
5.Anatomical/Cadaver Materials. Anatomical materials may NOT be removed from the laboratory.
Students will NOT cut or deface any portion of the cadaver body.
6.Laboratory Attire. Protective clothing should be worn in the lab: gloves and lab coats (if you have a latex allergy, nitrile gloves will be provided). Shorts, open-toed shoes or sandals are not allowed. Long hair should be tied back. Students shall not wear laboratory coats or gloves outside of the lab.
7. Contact Lenses. Wearing of contact lenses is not recommended. Fumes and fluid can be absorbed and concentrated into contact lenses leading to corneal irritation and damage. If you need to wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you wear goggles when in the lab.
8.Injury. Any injury shall be immediately reported to the instructor for determination of appropriate action. First Aid Kits and fire extinguishers are located at the entrance to the anatomy laboratory. A Safety Shower and Eye Wash Station are located in the hall North of the anatomy lab (to the right, when exiting). Report any irritation, respiratory problems, or other reactions to chemicals used in this lab to your instructor immediately. Medical evaluation at University Health Services Tang Center is recommended.
9.Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant (or who may potentially become pregnant) during the time of this course should consult their personal physician or University Health Services at 3-6891 regarding risks associated with exposure to chemicals (isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, phenol, glycerin and formaldehyde).
10. Photography. Photography in the lab is not permitted.
11. Smoking. Smoking is not permitted in the lab or the building. Go outdoors.
12.General Cleaning. Keep tables and the surrounding floor area of the lab clean. Spills should be cleaned up immediately and at the end of each lab session, students should insure the area is neat and clean and the organ trays are washed and left to dry.
These rules were adapted from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Prosection Program Application
Guidelines for Working with Cadavers and Preserved Specimens