by Printha McCallum
Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s (VUMC) Animal Care and Use Program has received continued full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC International).
In reviewing VUMC’s program, the AAALAC Council on Accreditation’s report acknowledged strong institutional support, the provision of administrative and financial support for the maintenance and update of facilities, including the purchase of new equipment, the new ARIES protocol management system and the proactive measures taken to ensure a smooth transition of the VUMC and Vanderbilt University (VU) reorganization.
The council also cited the program’s excellence for employee personal risk assessment by Vanderbilt Occupational Health and Wellness and Vanderbilt Environmental Health and Safety; dedicated and qualified animal care personnel; the robust and effective post-approval monitoring program; the well managed and documented veterinary care program; and state-of-the-art surgical and pathology facilities.
“The outcome validates the hard work and dedication to responsible research and the humane care and use of laboratory animals of everyone involved in animal research at both VUMC and VU,” said Jeanne Wallace, DVM, Vice President for Animal Care.
The assessment and accreditation process, which takes place every three years, includes a thorough inspection of animal research facilities, active protocols, training and safety programs and supporting documentation. By participating in these voluntary inspections VUMC demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care while pursuing groundbreaking biomedical research.
AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.
