ACLAM cheat sheet

Cage change frequency is driven by cage type, stocking density, and species; static microisolator cages generally require more frequent changes than ventilated caging because ammonia accumulates faster.

Daily health observation of every animal is required regardless of housing system; sick or moribund animals must be reported to the veterinary staff the same day.

Environmental enrichment must be documented in the protocol and provided unless an IACUC-approved scientific justification exempts it.

Sentinel programs detect endemic pathogens; colony health status is only meaningful when sentinel exposure and testing intervals are matched to the housing system.

Animal ordering lead times must account for vendor health status, transport, and acclimation; acclimation periods are typically recorded in the protocol and husbandry SOPs.

Room-level environmental records (temperature, humidity, light cycle) are part of the facility's compliance documentation and must be retained per institutional policy.

Per diem rates fund husbandry, veterinary care, and facility operations; accurate census counts drive recharge and space planning.

Rederivation and embryo transfer are contingency tools for eliminating pathogens from a breeding colony when treatment or depopulation is not viable.

Anesthesia depth is assessed by loss of righting reflex, absence of pedal withdrawal, and stable respiratory rate and mucous membrane color.

Analgesia plans should be multimodal (opioid plus NSAID) when a single agent does not adequately control pain; NSAIDs are avoided in animals with renal compromise.

Post-operative monitoring intervals are most intensive in the first 24-48 hours; hypothermia, dehydration, and wound dehiscence are common early complications.

Body condition scoring (1-5 scale) detects chronic weight loss and cachexia better than body weight alone in growing or tumor-bearing animals.

Humane endpoints should be defined by objective criteria (e.g., percent weight loss, tumor size, inability to eat or drink) and applied consistently across the study.

Euthanasia methods must be species-appropriate and consistent with current AVMA guidelines; secondary methods confirm death when required by protocol.

A moribund animal is one unable to right itself, eat, or drink; this is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary notification.

Clinical records must document drug, dose, route, frequency, and outcome for all treatments, including those administered under an approved protocol.

The PI holds ultimate responsibility for protocol compliance; veterinary and husbandry staff have authority to intervene for animal welfare concerns.

Protocol amendments must be IACUC-approved before implementation unless they are minor and covered by institutional policy for administrative changes.

The 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) should be explicitly addressed in protocol rationale and in the literature search for alternatives.

Personnel must be listed on the protocol and have documented training before performing procedures; unlisted personnel cannot perform animal work.

Unexpected adverse events and protocol deviations must be reported to the IACUC per institutional timelines; some events require immediate reporting.

Pilot studies and statistical justification of group sizes support reduction and are typically required in the protocol narrative.

Collaborative studies involving multiple institutions require coordination of IACUC approvals, MTA/DUA agreements, and animal transfer documentation.

Veterinary consultation should occur during protocol design, particularly for painful procedures, novel techniques, and endpoint selection.

Training must be documented before personnel perform procedures; competency is verified by direct observation or practical assessment, not by attendance alone.

The AALAS technician certification ladder (ALAT, LAT, LATg) provides a structured pathway for developing technical and managerial skills.

Adult learning principles favor hands-on practice and immediate feedback over lecture-only instruction for procedural skills.

Aseptic technique, anesthesia monitoring, and euthanasia are high-risk skills that warrant periodic re-verification and refresher training.

Occupational health and safety training (allergens, zoonoses, chemical hazards) is required for all personnel with animal contact.

Documentation of training should include date, trainer, procedure, and method of competency assessment for audit readiness.

Continuing education credits and conference participation support maintenance of professional certification and regulatory knowledge.

Mentoring and structured onboarding reduce procedural errors and improve animal welfare outcomes during staff turnover.