Orientation and Training

Participation in the animal facilities training program is a prerequisite for the activation of a protocol for the use of laboratory animals in research, and for access into the animal facilities of the NYU School of Medicine.

The training packet includes:
1. A Security Access Form (This must be filled out and signed by the Principal Investigator prior to general orientation)
2. Web-based training module Program (All applicable modules must be completed prior to general orientation)
3. Investigator Agreement for the Use of the Skirball Central Animal Facility. (This must be filled out and signed by the Principal Investigator prior to general orientation)
4. Health Questionnaire from Employee Health Services.

This packet must be fully completed, and the web modules successfully undertaken, prior to making an appointment for General Orientation. Arrangements for participating in one of the weekly general orientation sessions may be made after the individual brings back the completed packet to DLAR main office, MSB 182.

In addition, the individual must submit a memo signed by his/her Investigator to the IACUC Office, stating the protocol number and title of the protocol the individual will be working on. The investigator also may submit the signature page of the protocol and the section Part I #9 of the original protocol with the individual added on to the list and underlined.

The general orientation includes a brief overview of NYUSoM Animal Facilities, the laws and regulations pertaining to animal research, NYUSoM Animal Protocol Forms, information on animal ordering, DLAR husbandry services, DLAR veterinary services, Guide to Occupational Health and Safety, and available special services and charges for those special services as well as per diem charges. Any questions pertinent to specific animal research programs in the investigator's laboratory are addressed at this time.

After completing the general orientation and applicable web-based training modules, the researcher must tour the facility within which they will be working in order to be granted security access. The tour includes instruction in proper handling of the species with which the research will be working, basic experimental techniques and instruction on rodent euthanasia.

At any time after the General Orientation and tour, the investigator, or research staff member, may request to view any of the instructional videotapes or books available from the DLAR Training Coordinator. DLAR also makes available library copies of all of the texts.

Following the facility tour, the Training Coordinator will sign the completed Security Access Form. The signed form should be submitted to the Security Department so that the NYUSoM identification badge can be appropriately coded to allow access to only one of the Central Animal Facilities. However, when access to DCAF is needed, personnel must go to Washington Square Campus (7 East Washington Place), to have badge encoded for access to the facility.

Training in Animal Handling and Experimental Techniques

The members of the Veterinary Services staff are available to provide more extensive instruction in proper animal handling and various experimental techniques than those, which are demonstrated during the tour. Many of the animal species used in research require handling and restraint techniques that are peculiar to a particular species. If research staff plans to use a species with which they are unfamiliar, they must schedule an animal handling training session with a member of the Veterinary Services staff before conducting the animal work. Arrangements may also be made to receive instruction in common animal-related research techniques including: blood withdrawal, injection, oral dosing, euthanasia and dissection for organ harvest.

For more information on training, please refer to the Policy on Training.