Modern Approach to Assessing Quality of Laboratory Animals Used for Experimental Purposes

Abstract

Introduction: The main task of conducting a biomedical research is to obtain statistically significant experimental results. The studies with laboratory animals used as test systems are conducted in research organizations. Owing to the introduction of good laboratory practice (GLP) principles into the world practice, stricter requirements have been imposed on the quality of test systems. The purpose of our study was to analyze the regulatory, methodological, and legislative framework governing laboratory research using biomodels in order to update a number of regulatory documents that are mandatory for implementation. Methods: We searched electronic databases of references and abstracts (Web of Science, PubMed, eLibrary) for appropriate keywords and, having reviewed search results, selected 22 literary sources on the topic. Results: We established that, based on existing regulations, specialized institutions develop internal instructions to fulfil their goals and objectives. The presence of a program of standard operating procedures allows experiments to be performed with appropriate quality. The quality of laboratory animals can be affected by unfavorable conditions of keeping, lack of balanced feeding, and violation of sanitary and hygienic standards of care. For different categories of laboratory animals, different requirements are imposed on their housing in accordance with the microbiological status. Institutions are implementing a specially developed program for health monitoring in laboratory animals. Healthy-looking animals are carriers of a number of infectious agents that can distort results of an experiment. Veterinarians specializing in laboratory animals should have knowledge of biomodeling and effects of drugs on physiological and pathological processes in animals and should perform adequate anesthesia during painful manipulations. Only employees with high qualifications and skills in working with animals are authorized to handle biomodels. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the use of high-quality laboratory animals and standardization of all stages of an experiment ensures a quality research compliant with international standards.