Overview

Laboratory animals are used in biomedical research as models for humans. Observed behavioral or physiological changes exhibited by these animals, when they are used in the protocol, are assumed to be responses to the experimental procedures. If non-experimental variables caused by inadequate housing, disease, or stress from improper handling are inadvertently introduced into the study they can elicit similar responses which could skew the data or totally confound the experiment. The safe and effective use of animals in a laboratory setting is an essential element of your research activities.