Conduct minimally invasive procedures on animals in a Home Office designated establishment

This standard covers conducting minimally invasive procedures on animals which are carried out without anaesthesia in a Home Office designated establishment. Procedures include administering substances and collecting samples.

When working with research animals recognise humanity’s obligation to them and your responsibility for ensuring their proper care and treatment at all times.

You must conduct procedures on animals correctly, effectively and with due regard for the welfare of the animal. The type of procedures carried out will vary but you must have a good understanding of the procedure taking place and why animals are used.

This standard is for animal technologists in Home Office designated establishments.

It is essential, that you work strictly within the limits of the relevant project licence.

1. confirm that your work is carried out in accordance with the approved codes of practice and organisation’s procedures and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. carry out all work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
3. assess the risks to health and safety before starting and throughout the activity
4. comply with legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies relating to the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment
5. use safe practices and the correct clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the activity
6. maintain the required levels of hygiene and biosecurity in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
7. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
8. confirm that all the required equipment and materials are available and in a fit state for use
9. confirm the identity of the animal and the procedure to be undertaken against the available information
10. recognise opportunities for refinement for procedures and restraint
11. confirm that the animal is safely and humanely restrained for the procedure, and the condition and temperament of the animal
12. conduct the procedure promptly and effectively, according to the requirements of the procedure and the condition of the animal, and in a manner that does not inflict unnecessary pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm
13. calculate the correct dosage of substances to be administered to the animal, according to their body weight
14. administer the correct dose of the substance via the correct route, in accordance with the purpose for administering it and the condition of the animal
15. collect samples from the animal using the appropriate method, in accordance with the Project Licence (PPL) protocol authorisations
16. carefully handle, label and store the samples collected to prevent damage, degradation and contamination
17. complete the required documentation in accordance with the organisation’s procedures and send samples for analysis as soon as practicable, where this is required
18. recognise signs of discomfort and distress in the animal and minimise wherever possible
19. observe the animal for any adverse effects and take the appropriate action
20. take the necessary protective measures to prevent cross-infection or injury to the animal
21. deal with waste from the activity safely and correctly, in accordance with the relevant legislation and the organisation’s procedures
22. keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation
23. conduct all activities within the provisions of the project licence

1. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
2. your responsibilities for the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment under the relevant animal welfare legislation and Home Office codes of practice
3. the reasons for using animals in scientific research and humanity’s responsibilities to them
4. the importance and correct use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out activities in a Home Office designated establishment
5. the importance of maintaining the appropriate levels of hygiene and biosecurity and the procedures for this
6. the equipment and materials required for different procedures
7. the type of information that could be used to identify the animal, the procedure to be undertaken and the purpose for it
8. the safe and humane handling and restraining techniques for different animals and procedures, including manual restraint and use of restricted environments
9. how to perform minimally invasive procedures in a manner that does not inflict unnecessary pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm to the animal
10. the need for rigour and consistency in conducting scientific procedures and the correct recording and handling of samples
11. how to calculate the correct dosage of substances to be administered to animals, according to their body weight
12. the preparation of compounds for administration following manufacturers’ instructions
13. the current legislation relating to the handling and storage of medicines and drugs
14. how to administer substances to animals using the correct route
15. how to minimise the discomfort and distress of animals when administering substances
16. the possible adverse effects of administered substances and the action to take
17. how to collect samples from animals using different methods
18. the techniques for the collection of uncontaminated samples of urine, including catheterisation, and faeces
19. how to minimise the discomfort and distress of animals when collecting samples
20. the possible adverse effects of handling the animals and collecting samples and the action to take
21. how to handle and label samples and the storage requirements for different types of samples to maintain their condition
22. the procedures for sending samples for analysis where required
23. the appropriate sample volumes and sampling frequencies for the relevant species
24. the information that needs to be recorded and the organisation’s procedures for this
25. the provisions of the project licence

Minimally invasive procedures include:
• administration of substances (enteral, parenteral, topical)
• injection
• sampling and dosing techniques
• dietary modification
• gavage
• tissue biopsy
• behavioural tests
• use of metabolic cages