Find out how to maintain an accurate inventory of controlled substances (CS).
Learn about ordering and managing controlled substances (CS) inventory, and maintaining an on-site log book.
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Principal investigators (PIs) must have an approved CSUA before ordering CS. Purchase requisitions are placed through the CSU Web application. A "gift" of CS from a company or an agency must go through the same purchasing process with zero dollars for the cost. Transfer of CS is prohibited.
Note: CS are restricted from department orders.
Order online
Submit CS orders with the CSU Web application:
Plan ahead
Plan for your order. CS is obtained from a vendor and there is no on-site stock.
Allow time for delivery:
CS orders are available for pickup after the primary lab contact receives an arrival confirmation e-mail. The e-mail states where to pick up the order. The person who picks up the order must have a UCSD ID and be listed as an authorized recipient on the CSUA.
After receiving your order, return directly to the approved secure storage location and secure the shipment until it's needed.
CS inventory is managed through the CSU Web application. PIs must also maintain a current CS log book in the lab, available for periodic audits. The log book contains important documents pertaining to your CSUA, and log sheets accounting for the dispensation of each CS product in the lab.
Online inventory management
Track CS inventory with the Controlled Substance Use application:
On-site log book
Read Storage Requirements.
Log sheets
EH&S provides a log sheet for each CS container when the item is initially picked up. Each container is labeled with a unique identification number for ease of inventory documentation. Do not transfer a CS from the original container for storage purposes. Keep it in the original container.
Note: Obtain replacement log sheets by e-mailing the CS Program manager. Include the container identification number in your request.
Track Buprenorphine as a box with 5 or 10 single-use ampoules on 1 log sheet.
Important: Report log discrepancies, suspected misuse, or theft to the CS Program manager, (858) 534-1362, immediately.
Requirement
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and UCSD PPM 516-7 requires an inventory be conducted and documented every 2 years. PIs must declare their inventory status even if there is zero CS in stock when biennial inventory is taken.
Notification
EH&S will notify the PI and lab contact(s) by e-mail with a specific date and instructions in advance when the Biennial Inventory is due.
When you receive notification:
Note: If you no longer need CS, Listed Chemicals, or California Precursors, use the online CSU application Inventory tab to submit a request to delete an approved CSUA. There can be no remaining items in inventory when a CSUA is deleted.
Perform periodic self-assessments to ensure your facility meets CS Program and storage requirements during audits and to ensure uninterrupted use of CS.
Note: Expect an audit of your lab twice per year to evaluate compliance with UCSD's DEA registration. Unannounced spot-audits may be performed.
Use the CSU Web application to request disposal of CS:
Request CS disposal when:
Note: To dispose of pharmaceuticals that aren't controlled substances, contact hazwaste@ucsd.edu.
Relocation of CS during lab moves or closures is strictly regulated and must be approved by EH&S.
Notify EH&S of your intended lab closure or move:
If you're moving within UCSD:
New storage facilities must be approved by the CS Program manager before relocating inventory. Your CS inventory can be temporarily stored at a secure EH&S facility during your move. Important: Moving Services must not transport CS.
Use the CSU Web application to amend the storage location on in your CSUA:
If you're moving off campus or closing the lab:
Transfer of CS to another institution or PI is prohibited. When your lab closes or moves off campus, use the CSU Web application to deactivate your CSUA:
Federal DEA regulations prohibit shipping CS to other institutions or facilities in most cases.
Notice: Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws.