STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR COLOR CODED PLASTIC TAGS

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE LABORATORY ANIMAL FACILITIES

1. Purpose
   This procedure outlines a color coded plastic tag system which identifies individual animals or cages of animals which require veterinary services or special services. The system utilizes five colors of plastic tags.
2. Scope
   This procedure applies to all CM-LAF and Principal Investigator personnel.
3. Procedure
   1. Yellow Tag: Identifies an animal which has been reported on an Animal Report Form.
      1. Placed on Cage by: Caretakers, Investigator or research technician.
      2. A veterinary technician will examine the animal the same day reported.
      3. The veterinarian examines the animal within 24 hours.
      4. If the veterinarian determines the animal should be treated they or a designated veterinary technician will notify the investigator.
      5. The veterinary staff removes the yellow plastic tag and replaces it with a red plastic tag after the veterinarian examines the animal.
         OR
         
      6. The veterinary staff removes the yellow plastic tag after the veterinarian examines the animal and determines that the animal does not require treatment or further observation.
      7. The veterinary staff contacts the person reporting the case and explains his/her findings or decision.
      8. Only the CM-LAF veterinary staff may remove a yellow plastic tag from an animal cage.
   2. Red Tag: Identifies an animal currently under veterinary treatment or observation.
      1. Placed on cage by CM-LAF Veterinary Staff ONLY.
      2. CM-LAF veterinary staff examines the animal as prescribed on daily clinical rounds, and administers treatment as needed. CM-LAF veterinary staff maintains individual case records.
      3. Only the CM-LAF veterinary staff may remove a red plastic tag from an animal cage when the veterinarian has ended the clinical record.
   3. Green Tag: Identifies there is a special request in the room for the animal.
      1. Placed on cage by: CM-LAF veterinary staff or investigator's staff.
      2. CM-LAF staff must read and follow instructions on Special Request posted in the room.
      3. CM-LAF staff or investigators or his/her staff may remove a green tag when the Special Request has been exercised.
   4. Black tag: Identifies an animal which is being used as a sentinel for health surveillance program.
      1. Placed on cage by: CM-LAF veterinary staff.
      2. CM-LAF staff log and maintain records for all "black tag" animals.
      3. Black tags may be removed by CM-LAF staff only.
   5. Blue Tags: Identifies an animal that is being monitored in the post-operative program.
      1. Placed on cage by: CM-LAF veterinary staff or investigator or his/her staff.
      2. --Investigator must initiate a Post-Operative Report for all animals housed in the CM-LAF.
         --Veterinary staff examines the post-operative animal on daily rounds. CM-LAF maintains individual case records. See SOP 2.C.3.
         --Investigators may discuss the post-operative plan and review CM-LAF records with the veterinary staff.
      3. Anesthesia/Operative Report must accompany all post operative reports on all USDA regulated animals.