Research Enterprise Newsletter - January 2008: Animal Care & Use News
Animal Care & Use to undergo site evaluation
The Vanderbilt University Animal Care and Use Program will undergo its triennial site visit by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC) on March 10-12, 2008. AAALAC accreditation is the gold standard for animal care programs and continued accreditation is essential to Vanderbilt's ability to conduct federally funded research. In recent years, AAALAC has placed increasing emphasis on procedures conducted in research laboratories, training of research personnel, and compliance with approved protocols, policies, and standard operating procedures. Of particular importance are experiments involving hazardous substances (chemicals, infectious agents, radiation) and compliance with the Vanderbilt occupational health program requirements.
AAALAC will ask to visit a number of research laboratories. To learn how your laboratory can prepare, download Top Ten Things Your Lab Should Do to Prepare For the 2008 AAALAC Site Visit (PDF, 28k). Alternatively, contact David Cannon at david.g.cannon@vanderbilt.edu or 322-4808 to arrange a pre-site visit consultation or request an OAWA or DAC representative to attend one of your regularly scheduled lab meetings.
