Laboratory Animal Care Facility (CRC)
Getting Started
Animals
Before you may start using animals:
- You must first have an approved IACUC protocol
- You must also have the required IACUC-sponsored Animal User Training
Facilities
To be able to have access to any of the LACF's facilities:
The requirements for using animals are handled by the IACUC in response to the regulations promulgated under the Animal Welfare Act and to meet accreditation standards.
The actual training that the LACF provides is done at our discretion for the benefit of the animals, for the benefit of the research, for the benefit of the researcher, and for the benefit of a smooth functioning LACF. This involves the orientation on how to use each of the facilities, as well as the hands on training for how to handle each species, each piece of equipment, etc.
We mandate:
1. The on-line “getting started” aspect of the website as well any other pertinent area of the website. Start at: http://www.bu.edu/research/compliance/lacu/lacf/index.shtml
2. The IACUC Panel Discussion: http://www.bu.edu/research/compliance/oversight-committee/iacuc/training/crc/schedule.shtml.
3. Any pertinent AALAS modules of animal use. Research Compliance
4. Any pertinent CD’s or DVD’s such as “Aseptic Surgery” available through the LACF office and the IACUC Office.
5. An orientation to the specific facility being used.
- Currently offered Tuesdays, Wed. and Thursday between 8 AM and 3 PM
- Lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Make an appointment with the appropriate member of the LACF staff by emailing lacf-list@bu.edu. In it include: who you will be working with, the species, and the facility your animals will be in.
- Fill out the following form “Cardkey access form” and bring withCARDKEY access you to your orientation.
6. View the Overview of the LACF (PPT)
7. And last, but not least, you need to arrange for any hands on training you need. This will be provided by the most appropriate person(s) in the species or technique(s) with which you need training. Please contact, your PI, another grad. student, post doc, or bak@bu.edu or lacf-list@bu.edu
Procurement
There are several methods of acquiring animals. The three most common are outlined in these two powerpoints.
1. The first is by purchasing animals from an approved vendor Purchasing (PPT)
2. Two methods are by purchasing animals through BU from non-approved vendors and from importation of animals: Purchasing from Non Approved Vendors (PPT
PLEASE NOTE: All purchasing needs to be done through the LACF.
