Rules on Invertebrate Experimentation for ISEF
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:56 pm
I have a question regarding the ISEF rules for experimentation on invertebrates, specifically seriatopora/bird's nest coral. The goal of the experiment is to find out whether or not tricaine methanesulfonate is toxic or not, and if it is, then to what degree. My experiment involves inserting the coral into a solution of tricaine methanesulfonate (a common, FDA-approved fish sedative) and salt water for the duration of a minute. I was wondering if exposing the coral to a potentially deadly chemical is a violation of the ISEF rules for experimentation, and if a possible euthanization of the coral may require me to conduct experimentation at a research insitution (I plan on experimenting at home). My mentor alerted me by showing me this section of the ISEF Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents rules:
C. Additional Rules for Projects Involving Tissues & Body Fluids, including Blood and Blood Products
Studies involving fresh/frozen tissue, blood or body fluids obtained from humans and/or vertebrate may contain microorganisms and have the potential of causing disease. Therefore, a proper risk assessment is required.
1. If tissues are obtained from an animal that was sacrificed for a purpose other than the students’ project, it may be considered a tissue study. Documentation of the IACUC approval for the original animal study from which tissues are obtained is required.
2. If the animal was euthanized solely for the student’s project, the study must be considered a vertebrate animal project and adhere to the vertebrate animal rules for studies conducted at a regulated research institution. (See the vertebrate animal rules, pg 17.)
I need a response ASAP, because I plan on sending my completed forms by next week. I also need time to move my equipment to a research institution if the rules require me to do so.
C. Additional Rules for Projects Involving Tissues & Body Fluids, including Blood and Blood Products
Studies involving fresh/frozen tissue, blood or body fluids obtained from humans and/or vertebrate may contain microorganisms and have the potential of causing disease. Therefore, a proper risk assessment is required.
1. If tissues are obtained from an animal that was sacrificed for a purpose other than the students’ project, it may be considered a tissue study. Documentation of the IACUC approval for the original animal study from which tissues are obtained is required.
2. If the animal was euthanized solely for the student’s project, the study must be considered a vertebrate animal project and adhere to the vertebrate animal rules for studies conducted at a regulated research institution. (See the vertebrate animal rules, pg 17.)
I need a response ASAP, because I plan on sending my completed forms by next week. I also need time to move my equipment to a research institution if the rules require me to do so.