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 the IACUC Vice-Chair. The ACC is tasked with conducting the initial assessment of an allegation or report and fulfilling the purpose of the Policy on Investigating Noncompliance and Animal Welfare Concerns. The ACC includes, at minimum, the 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 will be added as an ad hoc consultant to the ACC. Appointment to the subcommittee is at the discretion of the ACUO Director and terms are for one year.

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.

Any large breed pig weighing greater than 40 pounds or miniature breed pig older than 8 weeks of age.

4 months of age and older

Last phase of a cycle that circulates the VHP through a catalytic filter to break it down into water vapor and oxygen.  Length of this cycle depends on room dimensions.

Rabbits greater than, or equal to, 2 years of age housed within ULAM facilities.

A review by the ACUP Compliance Committee of the available evidence/information to determine if an allegation or report is credible, specific, and meets the requirements for proceeding to an inquiry.

Continually released by fish and frogs in their waste, also caused by uneaten food and decaying organic matter; high levels prevent normal respiration and lead to suppressed immune systems. Recommended level = 0 ppm.

This encompasses both of the following definitions:

1. Local Anesthesia: Temporarily induces loss of sensation to a specific part of the body. May provide pain relief.
2. Systemic Anesthesia: Temporarily induces loss of sensation with loss of consciousness. Only provides pain relief due to or during loss of consciousness.

The central database used to track the approval status and details of all enrichment methods and items used.

A small, self-contained animal housing room constructed within a larger room.