Surgical Training at DSI

Personal Information

Study Information

Please note that all surgical manuals and videos can be found and requested from our DSI Support Center. Please review these prior to arrival.

Please take a moment to review the recommended small animal surgical supplies based on the surgery you will be performing. The supplies listed will be beneficial to have on-hand upon completion of the training. Having them at your site when you return from DSI will be helpful to reduce the waiting time before you can practice your surgeries. Practicing as soon as possible after the training session is critical to success.

What is your level of competency with any of the following procedures? (1= no experience, 5= high competency)

If you have had little to no animal handling or surgical experience, we strongly recommend extending your visit by one day. The surgical procedures you will learn require the use of a microscope, proficient hand-eye coordination, and a basic knowledge of anatomy. Without at least some prior experience with surgical procedures, this training session may be inefficient. We value your time with us and want to maximize your visit. We will contact you if we feel an extra day will be beneficial.

DSI Visitor Policy

Introduction of infectious diseases into the animal colonies would have disastrous consequences for research at DSI and for research programs elsewhere that depend on DSI Surgical Services. It is therefore required that all visitors and employees observe the regulations below.

Of greatest concern are visitors who have contact* with rodents (mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc.) or rodent tissues, because these rodents may be infected with diseases that could be trans­mitted to DSI rodents. Other animals may also carry infectious agents: animals maintained in large groups (e.g., animal production facilities, zoos, animal shelters, veterinary hospitals) are of particular concern as disease problems are more common in animals housed with or near other animals.

All visitors MUST:

1. be removed from any other animal facility for 48 hours prior to arrival at DSI.
2. wear clean shoes, i.e. shoes that have not been worn in other animal facilities or spaces.
3. comply with animal handling regulations set forth in The Guide.
4. ensure equipment and other research materials that have been exposed to animals at other institutions have been sanitized before being brought into the facility. Previously implanted devices MAY NOT be brought with you.

In addition to the health and well-being of the animals, additional policies are as follows:

1. If you cannot make your scheduled training date, notify DSI staff as soon as possible by contacting Customer Service 1-800-262-9687.
2. If the training needs to be rescheduled, the Surgical staff will work with you to determine the next best availability.
3. If the Surgical staff receives either no notification or notification less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled training, additional fees may be incurred except in case of inclement weather.
4. No pictures or videos may be taken in the animal facility at any time. DSI Surgical staff may provide requested pictures if necessary. DSI will provide secure locations to store/lock personal belongings such as cell phones with cameras, bags/backpacks, luggage, etc.
5. All visitors must wear long pants and closed toe shoes, i.e. no sandals.
6. Visitors must remain with a DSI host at all times.

 * For the purposes of this policy, “contact” is defined as: Handling animals or their tissues, entering rooms where animals are housed or handled (including pet stores and school rooms where animals are kept), entering areas where dirty cages are stored or processed, or working with infectious agents of animals.

Hotel Information

Make Yourself at Home at Homewood Suites by Hilton – New Brighton

1815 Old Highway 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 Phone: 651-631-8002

At Homewood Suites by Hilton you will enjoy the following amenities:

Additional Information

We look forward to your upcoming visit. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at: surgeryteam@datasci.com