To reduce the number of animals subjected to adverse immunologic reactions, the following guidelines have been adopted by the IACUC. The IACUC is aware of the diverse opinions and techniques associated with animal immunization. Protocols that propose to use alternate procedures contrary to these policies will be considered upon the receipt of written justification and documentation. If appropriate documentation is lacking, it may be necessary to conduct a study designed to provide appropriate documentation.
CFA should not be given by intradermal injection. This often causes formation of draining skin granulomas which can become infected and may be painful. In addition, it is counterproductive when the antigen-adjuvant emulsion is lost because of drainage and sloughing of the injection site.
Note: Laboratory personnel using CFA should be cautioned about inadvertent self-injection of CFA on needle tips. This has resulted in painful and long-lasting inflammation in humans. Blindness may also occur if CFA is introduced into the eyes. Please see the following NIH policy and guidelines: http://oacu.od.nih.gov/ARAC/freunds.pdf.