Orientation and Training

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

The training program consists of several components:

1. Web-based training modules
2. General Orientation
3. Tour of the specific facility within which the researcher will be working.

In order to sign up for General Orientation, the individual must obtain a training packet from the DLAR Main Office, MSB 182.

The training packet includes:

1.  A Security Access Form
2.  Web-based Training Module Program
3.  Investigator Agreement for the Use of the Skirball & Smilow Central Animal Facilities.
4.  Animal Facility Access Questionnaire
5.  A memo signed by the Principal Investigator stating the protocol number and title of the protocol the individual will be working on.

      In lieu of the memo, the investigator 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.

* 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 bi-weekly general orientation sessions may be made after the individual brings back the completed packet to DLAR main office, MSB 182.

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, the availability and charges for special services, and per diem rates. Any questions pertinent to specific animal research programs in the investigator's laboratory are addressed at this time.

After completing the applicable web-based training modules and general orientation, the researcher must tour the facility in 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, DVDs, 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 (550 First Ave, MSB G level), 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 that facility.

Investigators planning to use USDA covered species for their experiments should meet with the Chief of Veterinary Services in the planning phase of the protocol, as well as the Operations Manager and Facility Supervisor regarding logistics.  After taking the General Orientation, researchers will be given a facility tour gear toward that specific species.

Training in Animal Handling and Experimental Techniques

Members of the Veterinary Services staff are available to provide more extensive instruction in proper animal handling and various experimental techniques than those 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.  Please speak with the Training Coordinator regarding these training sessions. 

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