NHGRI/DIR Animal Research Infrastructure

National Human Genome Research Institute

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Under the Office of the Scientific Director, OLAM is responsible for directing the NHGRI animal care and use program and supporting approximately twenty-two (22) NHGRI investigators and four (4) other IC investigators with thirty-five (32) Animal Study Proposals. OLAM provides all administrative functions and support to the NHGRI Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) to include, but not limited to: a) Animal Study Proposal (ASP) design support by conducting pre-review of protocols/amendments to ensure completeness; b) scheduling, coordinating the logistics for monthly meetings; c) providing the timely preparation and distribution of related ACUC materials; d) generating and maintaining official electronic records and files; e) organizing the semiannual program evaluation and follow-up in accordance with federal regulations; f) investigating and assisting with the response of NHGRI directed animal welfare concerns; g) performing Post Approval Monitoring (PAM); h) formulating and updating guidance procedures, training materials and disaster plans that impact the care and use of laboratory animals; i) serving as a liaison to Occupational Health and Safety and facility management; and j) continuously evaluating, developing and/or recommending refinements in the humane care and handling of laboratory animals to meet current best practices. Furthermore, OLAM works to establish consistent management while maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with NHGRI investigators. OLAM provides a wide variety of support to investigators to include, but not limited to: a) research support with laboratory animal biomethodologies; b) veterinary care and consultation in areas such as surgical preparation, surgical technique, analgesia and anesthesia, and environmental enrichment c) technical and professional advice on comparative medicine and model development; d) assistance with global animal procurement, importation, re-derivation and exportation; and e) provides training to NHGRI investigators on the proper care, use, husbandry and humane treatment of research animals. A critical focus of investigator support is one-on-one training on the proper care, use, humane treatment and handling of research animals. To this end, OLAM has created comprehensive hands-on and virtual training programs for investigators working with NHGRI research animal models. The training offered through OLAM ensures that all animal handling is in compliance with NHGRI, NIH, and Federal regulations and guidelines for the continued assurance of full accreditation by the AAALAC, International. In addition to the NIH required animal training and registering with the Animal Exposure Program (AEP), the NHGRI ACUC requires additional training prior to being listed on a NHGRI ASP or added to an ASP by amendment. This additional level of training ensures that each investigator completes and understands facility-specific requirements to include entry requirements, standard facility procedures, proper animal care and handling procedures, proper use of anesthetics and analgesics, environmental enrichment, allergy prevention, personal protective equipment and other safety requirements, security, and the procedures for reporting animal welfare concerns. The Animal Program Director (APD) or his designee performs this training. Investigators working with mice must also review the relevant sections of a NHGRI developed video, "Training in Basic Biomethodology for Laboratory Mice". This video covers the most common rodent procedures performed at NHGRI. This includes general husbandry, restraint and handling, identification methods, genotyping, injections, blood collection, anesthesia and analgesia, and euthanasia. One-on-one hands-on training with the APD or his designee occurs to assure that animals are treated humanely without injury to the animal or handler and that skills are appropriate for the experimental manipulation(s) being performed, including approved methods of euthanasia. Periodically, all ASPs will undergo a PAM to include observing investigators perform experimental techniques to ensure congruency between the ASP and what is actually being done. Training is an on-going commitment and a high priority at NHGRI. Investigator training with OLAM occurs on an almost daily basis. OLAM also provides advanced technique training for both rodents and aquatic species. Advanced rodent training is required for individuals performing survival rodent surgery and includes viewing the video, "Training in Rodent Survival Surgery" developed and financially supported by the NHGRI and the OACU. This video covers special considerations in transgenic surgery and basic suturing techniques. Pre-surgical planning and training is initiated during protocol development. The Principal Investigator (PI) and APD will assess the proficiency of surgeons before they are allowed to perform survival surgery. Regardless of the level of expertise of the investigator, the APD observes all surgeries when they are first performed. NHGRI OLAM is committed to promoting the humane care and use of animals in biomedical and behavioral research, teaching and testing. Support of the NHGRI Animal Program is provided by the Animal Program Director (1 FTE), one Government Administrative Personnel (1 FTE), and two Government contract employees.