7H Decant Plan Update
Users have been informed that we are moving into a renovated 7L in the early part of 2019. That means animals in 7H will be decanted to 7L.
Latest information is on https://apcf-infosite-dev.hkust.edu.hk/?page_id=2030 (password: please refer to the broadcasting email to users, title: “APCF Infosite : Password Protected”, dated 21Dec2019. Alternatively, user may request from APCF by email)
Users should not plan any studies if the studies will be disrupted by a two day restricted access to their animals over the period 15th-16th May.
(re-Post: 19Mar2019-present)
Guidelines on Anesthesia
APCF has issued 3 parts of guidelines on anesthesia for animal procedures. User are welcomed to download them from this link.
(Post: 14-19Mar2019)
Improper dispensing of a dangerous drugs
In the 2018 newsletter published by the HK Veterinary Surgeons’ Board, described a disciplinary case against a veterinarian concerning his or her criminal conviction for the improper dispensing of a dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Regulations, Cap 134A (https://apcf-infosite-dev.hkust.edu.hk/?p=2295)
(Post: 19Jan2019-14Mar2019)
Guideline on the Use of Anesthesia
Comprehensive guidelines for Laboratory rabbit and mice have been issued as the reference for animal experimental design in HKUST. Please go to the link for the guidelines and contact our veterinary team for further advise.
(Post: TBA )
Satisfaction Survey
Dear APCF users,
APCF is now conducting a survey to collect your inputs about our services, work quality, workplace conditions etc. Please kindly spend several minutes to go through the following link:
https://animalandplantcarefacility.questionpro.com
We appreciate your immediately action to submit one survey. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.
(Post: 13Dec2018-19Jan2019)
Decant plan on 7H to 7L Facility
As Phase one of the APCF expansion (i.e. the renovation of zone 7L) nears completion, Zone 7H needs to be vacated so that phase two can commence (i.e. the renovation of zone 7H)
It is expected that zone 7L will be finished by the end of February and APCF must vacate 7H within one month. Therefore investigators will be required to shift their animals (with the help of APCF staff) from 7H to 7L.
This disruption to your research is unavoidable and therefore investigators should plan accordingly.
Investigators will be updated regularly by both email and website updates
Details of the shift are available on our webpage here.
(Post: 29Nov2018-13Dec2018)
Animal (Control of Experiments) Ordinance, Cap. 340 SMS Service
The Dept. of Health will launch SMS service informing licensees about matters related to application / licence under Cap. 340 through mobile phones.
With effective from 1st Sep 2018, applicants should use an updated Form 1 (link here) for animal license application. Applicants will indicate if they wish to receive message from Dept. of Health.
Learn more from the following website.
http://www.dh.gov.hk/english/useful/useful_alo/useful_alo.html
(Post: 28Aug2018-29Nov2018)
Charging of Disposable Cages/Cage Liners
As requested by the VPRGO to follow the enhanced CRF charging scheme 2002, we started back-charging for the following items from 1July2018 onward:
- White disposable cage (10HKD/pc)
- Small IVC cage liner (50 HKD/pc)
- Large IVC cage liner (64 HKD/pc)
(Post: 15Aug2018-28Aug2018)
Usage of Disposable Cages
Users are reminded of the policy on the usage of disposable cages:
- NO APCF micro-isolator or open top cage is to be removed from 7H or 7J without written permission of D/APCF or SOs/APCF
- If mice are to go to satellite facilities white disposable cages are to be used or in exceptional circumstances alternative containers may be used after approval by D/APCF
- Containers must be logged out of the APCF facilities
- 7H log-out forms are found at the euthanasia area
- 7J log-out forms are found at the entrance near the entry log sheet
- White disposable cages are charged to the User at 10 HKD per item
(Post: 2May2018-14May2018, 24Jul2018-14Aug2018)
Department of Health’s Perspective on Minor Procedures
Experimental procedures calculated to give pain on animals, e.g. taking blood, performing ear punching/ tail biopsy, collecting tissues, administering drugs, anaesthetising animals must be listed for animal licensing in Form 2. (Post: 14May2018-26Jul2018)
Storage of Scientific Equipment in APCF
Storage of scientific equipment in APCF is at the risk of the User or Faculty and while APCF will take all practical steps to ensure the care and safe storage of the equipment, APCF will not accept any responsibility for any damaged equipment. (18Apr-2May2018)
April 2018: Random Inspection of Satellite Facilities
Please be advised that random visits of satellite facilities by members of the Animal Ethic Committee and/or the Director of APCF or his representative may occur without prior notification of the faculty member/s concerned. Inspections will proceed with relevant university authority.
March 2018: Random Inspection of Satellite Facilities
Please be advised that random visits of satellite facilities by members of the Animal Ethic Committee and/or the Director of APCF or his representative may occur without prior notification of the faculty member/s concerned. Inspections will proceed with relevant university authority.
February 2018: Bringing Animals to HKUST
All importation of animals to any area of HKUST, including satellite facilities, individual laboratories and APCF, must be reviewed and approved by the director of APCF.
Importation of animals from facilities within Hong Kong, except from SPF facility of Laboratory Animal Unit, Hong Kong University, must be initiated by submitting an Application for the Importation of Experimental Animals from Facilities Outside of HKUST to the Director of APCF for review and approval.
Importation of animals from non-Hong Kong facility must be coordinated with a Scientific Officer of APCF.
January 2018: New Year Greeting
Happy New Year!