Ch 3 Laboratory Animal Research Facilities Vet Tech

basic research

Advances fundamental knowledge life processes and diseases without a specific practical application in mind

applied research

Uses existing knowledge to solve a specific biomedical problem, such as the development of new vaccines or surgical procedures. There is a specific practical application needing improvement.

Animal Models in Research

Live animals are selected as subjects for applied research.

clinical research

Builds on knowledge from basic and applied research and is always conducted on live animals, including humans. Studies health and disease of humans.

experimental group

Receives the treatment (independent variable)

control group

the group that does not receive the experimental treatment, but receives the placebo

Placebo

a fake drug used in the testing of medication

Observation

First step of scientific method. Formulate an initial question

Hypothesis

A very specific statement based on observations that can be tested through experimentation.

Principal investigator

The PI formulates the hypothesis and writes the experimental design, often holding a PhD or being a veterinary specialist.

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)

Certification exams for laboratory animal technicians, assistants, and technologists.

LAT and LATG

Persons that do lab animal procedures such as blood collection, radiographs, surgical assisting, and other advanced animal nursing procedures.

Assistant laboratory animal technicians (ALATs)?

They help care for research facility animals, including cleaning cages, observing animals, and checking temperature and humidity.

random assignment

It helps ensure that the experimental and control groups are comparable, reducing bias.

FDA Clinical research

All clinical research complies with regulations regarding animal and human subject care.

Applied research models

Computer models, mathematical models, cell or tissue cultures, or live animals.

Construction materials

Materials should be waterproof, seamless, and resistant to damage from regular use.

Conventional facility

Animal and support rooms have single doors opening into a central corridor.

Double corridor facility

Two doors for each room, one leading to a clean corridor and one to a dirty corridor.

Barrier facility

Personnel must shower and wear disposable clothing before entering animal rooms, with airlocks and UV light.

Containment facility

To house animals with infectious or zoonotic diseases, ensuring biosecurity.

Biosecurity Levels (BSL)

Levels 1 to 4 that determine the safety measures for handling infectious organisms.

Environmental factors

Temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, air pressure, noise, and social enrichment.

Feed and bedding storage at least 20 cm off the floor

To prevent moisture accumulation and vermin infestation.

Autoclaved materials

Requirement for materials entering a barrier facility because animals may be germ-free

Primary enclosures

To define the outer limit within which the animal can move without human assistance.

Stainless steel

Material is known for being strong, rust-free, and resistant to most cleaning chemicals in animal enclosures

aluminum

Lightweight, inexpensive, but less durable than stainless steel

Shoebox cage

Small cage typically used for rodents and may incorporate a feeding station

suspended cages

They have a mesh bottom that provides excellent ventilation but creates a poor microenvironment.

metabolism cages

To collect feces and urine, with food and water provided outside the cage.

Gang cage

Type of cage allows for group housing and has multiple food and water sites

Transport Cages

To move animals from one location to another, often equipped with wheels.

inhalation cage

To create an enclosed chamber with strict environmental parameters for specific studies. May provide supplemental oxygen after surgey.

Body weight and surface area

Factors used when calculating cage space requirements for animals

Environmental enrichment

Vertical space, resting ledges, boxes for burrowing, chew toys, climbing ropes, hidden treats, and running wheels.

Quarantine

To allow recovery from transportation stress and to prevent disease.

Axenic

Germ-free animals maintained in strict barrier facilities.

specific pathogen free

Animals are demonstrated to be free of certain pathogens but not all.

OSHA

To enforce laws that protect workers from hazardous materials.

BSL 1

Agents that do not harm humans

BSL 2

Potential human disease with treatments available

BSL 3

Serious human diseases with treatments available

BSL 4

Serious or fatal human diseases without treatments available

Purpose bred

animals bred specifically for research purposes

Random Source Animals

procured from USDA class B dealers who may obtain animals from shelters. Concern is they may be a previous pet