Policy on Usage of Animal Tissue for Special Events

In a limited number of circumstances and with the approval of the dean, the Zucker School of Medicine may allow Northwell Health to bring fresh animal tissue onto the premises for events and/or meetings. Requests to use animal tissue during an event must be submitted to the Zucker School of Medicine events team at least 60 days in advance of the anticipated event through the event request form. Animal tissue must remain within the structure laboratory at all times. All requests for the usage of animal tissue are therefore subject to availability of the structure laboratory and staff.

If the usage of animal tissue is approved by the dean and it is determined that the structure laboratory and appropriate staff are available for the date of the event, the group running the event/meeting must comply with the general structure laboratory guidelines in addition to the following guidelines:

    • All animal tissue must remain within the structure laboratory at all times.
    • Human tissue may not be used at any event in which animal tissue is used.
    • Northwell Health will be responsible for obtaining and delivering to the Zucker School of Medicine the animal tissue on the day of the event, as the Zucker School of Medicine does not have dedicated space for the storage of animal tissue.
    • The animal tissue must be obtained from a certified USDA vendor.
    • Northwell Health will be responsible for obtaining and delivering to the Zucker School of Medicine all the necessary supplies on the day of the event for the use and disposal of the animal tissue, including, but not limited to: gloves, draping, instruments, waste containers for sharps or hazardous materials.
    • The usage of any specialized machinery or equipment within the structure laboratory requires special approval by the dean.
    • Additional charges may apply if additional supplies or staffing are needed.
    • Animal tissue that has been exposed to or contaminated with infectious agents will not be permitted on the premises.
    • Northwell Health is responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to the animal tissue, including storage and disposal of such tissue.

This policy was developed in consultation with the fire and life safety officer at Hofstra University.

Last Updated: March 2019