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Key Topics in Surgical Research and Methodology pp 207–228Cite as

An Introduction to Animal Research

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Abstract

Despite advances in computer modelling and bioinformatics, animal models remain a vital component of biomedical research. The growth in this area of work is in part due to the evolution next generation of biotechnologies, which more than ever necessitate the need for in vivo experimentation. An understanding of the principals of animal research therefore remains a necessity for medical researchers as it permits scientific analysis to be interpreted in a more critical and meaningful manner. Initiating and designing an animal experiment can be a daunting process, particularly as the law and legislation governing animal research is complex and new specialist skills must be acquired. This chapter reviews the principles of animal research and provides a practical resource for those researchers seeking to create robust animal experiments that ensure minimal suffering and maximal scientific validity.

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Abbreviations

ACLAM:

The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine

APHIS:

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

AWA:

Animal Welfare Act

COSHH:

Control of substances hazardous to health

ECBR:

European Coalition for Biomedical Research

FDA:

The Food and Drug Agency

H & SE:

Health and Safety Executive

HFEA:

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

IACUC:

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

IVC:

Individually ventilated cage

IVF:

In vitro fertilisation

LAS:

Laboratory animal allergy

NACWO:

Named animal care and welfare officer

NICE:

National Institute for Clinical Excellence

NVS:

Named veterinary surgeon

OLAW:

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

PHS:

Public Health Service

PIL:

Personal License under the Scientific (Animal Procedures) Act 1986

PPL:

Project License under the Scientific (Animal Procedures) Act 1986

RSPCA:

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

SPF:

Specified pathogen free

USDA:

The United States Department of Agriculture

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College, 10th floor, QEQM, St. Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK

    James Kinross

  2. The Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Building, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK

    Lord Ara Darzi

Authors
  1. James Kinross
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  2. Lord Ara Darzi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Biosurgery & Surgical Technology, Imperial College London St. Mary's Hospital London, 10th floor QEQM Bldg. Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, United Kingdom

    Thanos Athanasiou  & Ara Darzi  & 

  2. UCSF Global Health Sciences, 3333 California Street, Suite 285, San Francisco L, CA, 94143-0443, USA

    Haile Debas

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© 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Kinross, J., Darzi, L.A. (2010). An Introduction to Animal Research. In: Athanasiou, T., Debas, H., Darzi, A. (eds) Key Topics in Surgical Research and Methodology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-71915-1_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-71915-1_17

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-71914-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-71915-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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