Research A to Z

8 x 17 x 7 inch polycarbonate cage.

AAALAC International (AAALAC) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary program assessments and subsequent accreditation.

Condition departing from the normal strain specific expectations; irregularity.

For the purpose of the Policy on the Restraint of Research Animals, acclimation is defined as the process used to condition an animal to prolonged physical restraint.

A colored, plastic card placed over animal cage cards that aid in communication between husbandry, ULAM veterinary, and Investigative personnel. Acetate colors correspond to a specific animal care procedure and could be red, green, clear, yellow or blue. In certain settings, such as aquatic or outdoor housing areas, acetates may not be easily utilized. In those cases, animal identification procedures should be agreed upon by veterinary and investigative personnel as needed and communications will be documented in relevant medical records.

Those involving animals currently being treated and/or monitored for a clinical condition, or an experimental condition (e.g. tumor burden, food and water restriction, etc).

A subcommittee of IACUC members that is chaired by an IACUC Vice-Chair. The ACC is tasked with conducting the “Allegation and Report Assessment.” The ACC includes, at minimum, an IACUC Vice-Chair, a non-affiliated IACUC member, and at least one other faculty scientific IACUC member

An ACUO Compliance Consultant and a designated faculty veterinarian will also be part of the committee to provide support. If allegations or inquiries include a safety or hazardous materials component, a member of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) will be added as an ad hoc consultant to the ACC. Appointment to the subcommittee is at the discretion of the ACUO Director.

American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.

Complex chemical that is present in all organic material and is the universal source of energy used by all living cells (including bacteria).  As such, ATP monitoring can be used to quickly assess the sanitization of surfaces or liquid samples.  The presence of ATP indicates the presence of organic material, and so a high level of ATP indicates a lack of effective sanitization.

Age between 1-7 years old.

4 months and older

Greater than 7 years old.

Typically, once the animal is 12 months old, though can vary. Males will be ~5-6cm in body length and females will be ~10-12cm in body length.

An unexpected incident that leads to harm or endangers the well-being of animals and/or humans.

Agents are drugs intended for use explicitly as an anesthetic, analgesic, sedative, tranquilizer, and/or neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA).

A report that is potentially an incident of noncompliance (e.g., a violation of regulation or IACUC policy), and has not yet been investigated by the IACUC.

An association representing veterinarians across the United States focusing on advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.

Provides pain relief without loss of consciousness.

The period of time in which an animal is under anesthesia for an active surgery or procedure. The anesthetic period ends when the surgery or procedure is complete and the animal is extubated, when applicable.