Training requirements

Federal regulations require that anyone working with laboratory animals have appropriate training and/or experience with the species and specific procedures to be performed, and include the basic needs of each species; proper handling and care; proper pre and post procedural care; aseptic surgical methods and procedures; proper use of analgesics; anesthetics, and tranquilizers; and the concept, availability and use of research and testing methods that limit the use of animals or minimize animal distress. This includes PIs, technicians, research fellows, students, and visiting scientists. PI’s who may not work directly with animals but supervise an animal use project are required to have animal care and use training.

The IACUC along with the Laboratory Animal Facility (LAF) conduct the Responsible Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Certification Program. The certification program consists of

1. completing an on-line tutorial
2. completing all appropriate hands on wet labs demonstrating competence in basic animal procedures.

The on line tutorial is available on UBlearns at: https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/ In order to access the lectures on UBlearns, you must be enrolled as an authorized user. To enroll, please email your UBit name to iacuc@research.buffalo.edu. You will be notified when enrolled into the UBlearns on-line tutorial. After you are enrolled you will be able to access the lectures by logging in with your UBIT name and email password. You will find the lectures under “Course Documents.” Contact the IACUC office if you do not have an UBIT name. The on line tutorial can be accessed at anytime after enrolled.

The hands-on labs are offered at the beginning of each semester and before the summer school session.