Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Rules

Students’ increased education in anatomy results from an experience made possible by the selfless acts of thoughtful individuals who have voluntarily chosen to donate their bodies to scientific study. These donated cadavers are gifts that must be accorded the dignity and respect they deserve. This respect policy applies to not only the plastinated or wet cadaver, but also skeletal material, human organs and any other previously living organism (e.g. cats).

The rules of the Anatomy and Physiology laboratory are based upon RESPECT, SECURITY, SAFETY and MAINTENANCE. 

Students must adhere to the following guidelines when learning from these donated cadavers and other materials in the laboratories.

Respect

• At no time should anyone show any disrespect to the cadavers.  Inappropriate or improper behavior and/or comments within and outside the laboratory is/are unacceptable. Faculty have determined a respectful name for the cadaver to preserve a sense of humanity for the specimen, other naming will not be allowed.
• At no time will any dissected cadaver tissue or skeletal materials be removed from the laboratory.
• At no time will food or drink be permitted in the human specimen lab.
• All cadaver tissue will be placed in a tissue bin placed under the dissection table.  At no time will any other material (i.e. paper products) be placed in this bin.
• Cadavers will be appropriately draped at all times.
• The right of privacy and confidentiality due all medical patients is extended to our anatomical donors. 
• At no time will electronic devices be allowed in the laboratory.  Absolutely no pictures or videos are to be taken of the cadavers at any time by students. Faculty may take photographs of specimens for educational purposes. Anonymity of the specimen will be considered when taking photographs.
• Appropriate security measures will be taken and access to the laboratory will be limited to those with an approved academic purpose.

Security

• Keep the doors of the laboratory closed.  When class is not scheduled, the doors to the lab will be locked.
• At no time will visitors be permitted into the laboratory without first obtaining approval from the full time BIO 155 (anatomy and physiology) instructors. Anyone given access to the specimens must have an approved academic purpose.

Safety for Working with Wet Cadavers

• In case of an EMERGENCY, dial 9-911. Then dial “0” for the operator to report serious injuries.  The Security extension is 8620. Phones are located throughout McDivitt Hall.  The main office is in room JM 125, extension 8152.
• FIRST AID SUPPLIES are available in JM 121.
• Students who are pregnant, or believe they may be pregnant, are encouraged to discuss their attendance in these labs with their physician.
• Wearing a lab coat will help to protect clothing from splashes and smells.
• Gloves will be worn at all times when working with the cadavers.
• Wearing of glasses in the laboratory instead of soft contact lenses is advised.  Please note the site of the eyewash in the laboratory.
• Bare feet are not allowed, and shoes with tops (not sandals) are recommended.
• All used scalpel blades should be disposed of in the provided “sharps” containers. Never dispose of “sharps” waste baskets or garbage cans.  All skin cuts are to be thoroughly washed with clean water.  Report all injuries to the laboratory instructor in attendance and complete a JCC Incident Report.
• Safety procedures are in place to limit exposure to chemicals and subsequent risk; however, each student is responsible for their own health. JCC is not responsible for any consequences of exposure to chemical preservative.

Maintenance

• Remember that cadaver dissections will be used again, so tissues should be handled with care.  Every effort should be made to keep dissected material, hands, feet and face moist when working with a wet cadaver.  The linen shrouds or towels covering the cadavers should be moistened with preservative frequently.  All regions not being studied should be draped.  When finished or pausing in dissections or observations, completely cover the cadaver.
• Tables should be kept clean and free of excessive tissue. 
• Keep the laboratory clean. Individuals are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

Access to Laboratory Outside of Regularly Scheduled Class Hours

The laboratory is NOT available outside of normally scheduled laboratory time. Occasionally, open laboratory time is scheduled by the laboratory instructors. 

Adapted from: http://dbs.umt.edu/courses/biol312/labpolicy.htm