Support the production and maintenance of Genetically Altered (GA) animals in a Home Office designated establishment LEGACY
Overview
This standard covers the use of Genetically Altered (GA) animals in scientific research and includes the competencies required to support the production and maintenance of breeding colonies of GA animals.
You will be familiar with the background reasons and ethical considerations for using GA animals in scientific research, and have an understanding of aspects of breeding, maintenance, genetic monitoring and cryopreservation of laboratory colonies.
This standard is for animal technologists who support the production and maintenance of GA animals in Home Office designated establishments.
It is essential that you work strictly within the limits of the relevant project licence.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 use safe practices and appropriate personal protective equipment when carrying out scientific or technical activities
P2 maintain appropriate levels of hygiene and bio-security
P3 support the production of a line of GA animals from founder stock or first generation animals
P4 take samples for DNA analysis using the least invasive method appropriate for scientific analysis
P5 check the physical condition of the animals, their readiness for breeding, and prepare the animals in the appropriate manner
P6 maintain a colony of GA animals to meet the scientific requirements of a research project focusing on reduction in animal wastage
P7 maintain the health and condition of GA animals throughout their reproductive cycle
P8 maintain the health and welfare of animals by providing special care, vet prescribed treatments and any special dietary requirements as appropriate
P9 record and monitor environmental conditions suitable for species and report problems to the relevant person
P10 transport animals safely and securely to another location within establishment or externally and complete the relevant documentation when sending animals to scientists
P11 keep accurate and up to date records as required by relevant legislation and the organisation
P12 deal with waste safely and correctly in accordance with legislation
P13 conduct all activities within the provision of the project licence
P14 comply with legislation relating to the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment
P15 carry out all work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and company policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the importance and correct use of personal protective equipment for scientific or technical activities
K2 the importance of maintaining appropriate levels of hygiene and bio-security and how this can be achieved
K3 definitions of: chromosome, gene, DNA, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, transgenic, wild type and founder stock
K4 the methods used to take samples for DNA analysis for the animals you are working with
K5 how to check animals and prepare animals prior to breeding
K6 the justification for using GA animals and the role of the Ethical Review Process (ERP) in cost benefit analysis
K7 principles of the 3Rs in relation to the production and maintenance of GA animals
K8 why it is necessary to genotype progeny and how to evaluate results
K9 possible reasons why genotyping results may not conform to expected mendelian ratios
K10 breeding animals to include selection of future breeding stock (FBS) from genotyping results
K11 the environmental and husbandry conditions required for breeding animals
K12 the importance of effective communication with scientists (internal and external) and colleagues when breeding and/or transporting animals
K13 the identification of any environmental concerns and reporting structure
K14 additional welfare considerations that may be required in breeding and maintaining GA lines
K15 reasons for cryopreservation and re-derivation in GA lines
K16 how to identify problems when managing a colony of GA animals, and what action must be taken
K17 legislation for transporting and packing animals and the use of relevant documentation,
K18 the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in producing GA animals, relevant licences, codes of practice, humane end-points, severity limits, welfare score sheets
K19 the requirements under current health and safety legislation for maintaining and disposal of GMO animals, Genetically Modified Organisms (contained uses) Regulations 2000 and Environmental Protection Act 1990, including the use of risk assessments
K20 the provisions of the project licence
K21 your responsibilities for the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment under relevant animal welfare legislation, European directives and UK codes of practice
K22 your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and company policies