Disinfectants play a crucial role in reducing contamination during lab animal handling, but how effective are they? In this episode, host Jennifer Smith speaks with Dr. Julia Smachlo, a clinical veterinarian at Biomere in Worcester, Massachusetts, to discuss her recent research into this question. Julia shares insights from her paper, ‘Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectants in Reducing Contamination of Bacterial and Viral Murine Pathogens on Gloved Hands’, and discusses the surprising findings. To determine their effectiveness during mouse handling, the study tested two disinfectants, Rescue and 70% ethanol. While pathogens were detected despite disinfection, some reductions were observed. Julia highlights the study’s limitations and explains the need for further research to fully understand these practices' impact. Julia also offers practical advice for institutions considering updates to their biosecurity protocols. This engaging conversation provides valuable perspectives on lab animal handling and contamination risks. Don’t miss it!

 

Key Points From This Episode:

Dr. Julia Smachlo’s path to becoming a clinical veterinarian and researcher. How her residency at the University of Minnesota shaped her interest in lab animal medicine. Special acknowledgments to her team members for their research contributions. Biosecurity practices, cleaning, and monitoring methods to consider in lab animal programs. What inspired her study on disinfectant efficacy in reducing contamination on gloved hands. Murine norovirus, Helicobacter species, and Rodentibacter species as targets of the study. A breakdown of the study design, including the pilot study, and how they were conducted. Their use of Rescue (a hydrogen peroxide-based oxidizing agent) and 70% ethanol disinfectants; and PCR and ATP testing. The results of the study: why their hypothesis wasn’t proven, and surprising takeaways. Julia’s advice for refining handling techniques, like using disinfectable tubes between cages. Why institutions should adapt biosecurity practices to fit their specific rodent colonies.

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Julia Smachlo on LinkedIn 'Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectants in Reducing Contamination of Bacterial and Viral Murine Pathogens on Gloved Hands'

Jennifer Smith on LinkedInAmerican Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)

Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS)The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast