University Animal Care Committee Standard Operating Procedure
Document No: 7.9
Subject: Intradermal Injection in Mice
Date Issued: February 16, 2012
Revision: 2
Location: Queen’s University
Responsibility: Principal Investigators (PI), Research Staff, Veterinary Staff
Purpose: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to describe the method of oral gavage in mice.
Abbreviations:
Animal Care Services ACS, Principal Investigator PI, subcutaneous SC, intravenous IV, intraperitoneal IP, intramuscular IM, per os PO, per rectum PR
1. Introduction and Definitions:
The injection methods described within an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) must be followed at all times. The following guidelines provide recommended injection sites, needle sizes and maximum dose volumes. “Good Practices” include:
- All animals securely and safely restrained prior to injecting.
- Only three attempts per site should be practiced. If unsuccessful, allow another (trained and competent) person to collect the sample.
- Use the appropriate gauge needle and volume for the injection site based on the size of the mouse.
- Before injecting any substance, aspirate first to ensure appropriate placement of the needle (excluding intravenous injections).
- Always inject with the bevel up on the needle.
- Always ensure the substances you are injecting are sterile, and use sterile technique.
- Every animal requires a new sterile syringe and a new sterile needle. With small volumes, it is preferable to dilute the injectable agent to a 50% or less solution to ensure accurate dosing.
- Disinfecting the skin with alcohol is mandatory for intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intradermal, and all biohazardous injections.
- Choose the appropriate administration route for the substance to be injected.
| Recommended Needle Sizes and Volumes Length of needle: 1/2 inch |
|
|---|---|
| Intradermal ID |
|
| Recommended Gauge (maximum) |
27 (26) |
| Good Practice Volume (Max per site) |
0.05 ml |
2. Materials:
- Sterile syringes
- Sterile needles (26-27 gauge)
- 70% alcohol
- Clippers
- Injectable solution
- Anesthetics as required (if using anesthetics: eye lubricant, heating source, Isotonic fluids – see SOP 7.6 Anesthesia in Mice)
3. Procedures:
Anatomical Terms of Location
Intradermal Injection in Mice
| Date | New Version |
|---|---|
| 04/25/2016 | Triennial Review |
| 03/28/2019 | Triennial Review |
| 12/12/2022 | Triennial Review, split apart separate injection methods, updated format and reviewed/updated maximum injection volumes |