What does AAALAC mean in LABORATORY
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, commonly known as AAALAC, is an international organization dedicated to the improvement of animal care in research, testing and teaching facilities. Established in 1965, AAALAC provides a voluntary accreditation program through which organizations attest to their commitment to responsible animal use at the highest standards of humane animal care. The organization is recognized worldwide as indicating a high level of expertise and excellence within its participants.
AAALAC meaning in Laboratory in Medical
AAALAC mostly used in an acronym Laboratory in Category Medical that means Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
Shorthand: AAALAC,
Full Form: Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
For more information of "Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care", see the section below.
» Medical » Laboratory
Definition
AAALAC stands for Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. The organization was established with the mission of promoting the humane care and treatment of animals used in research, testing and teaching institutions by providing a voluntary accreditation program that is recognized across the world as an indication of excellence in animal welfare practices. The program evaluates broadly defined areas such as veterinary care, facility management, personnel qualifications, professional standards and ethical considerations.
Principles
The core principles of AAALAC are based on guidelines developed by leading scientific societies such as the National Research Council (USA), Canadian Council on Animal Care (Canada) and European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Scientific Purposes (Europe). These principles emphasize reduction, refinement, replacement or elimination of animals in experiments wherever possible; consideration of the ethical implications related to use of animals; ensuring personnel qualifications; proper husbandry practices; good laboratory design; proper environmental control; adequate nutrition; physical and psychological well-being; humane euthanasia methods; maintenance of accurate records related to procurement, housing and use; adherence to appropriate laws and regulations; humane endpoints when necessary among other areas.
Benefits
By obtaining an AAALAC accreditation organizations demonstrate their strong commitment to upholding high standards for animal care. Organizations that are accredited by AAALAC benefit from improved public perception due to their demonstrated commitment to responsible animal welfare practices as well as access to funding sources that require this kind accreditation. In addition, member institutions have access to resources that can help them make improvements in their animal care programs including trainings materials onsite visits from experienced professionals among others.
Essential Questions and Answers on Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care in "MEDICAL»LABORATORY"
What is the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)?
AAALAC is an independent, internationally-recognized organization that promotes the humane care and use of laboratory animals. It does this by assessing animal care programs, encouraging best practices in laboratory animal care, and providing education on animal welfare to science professionals.
How does AAALAC assess animal care?
AAALAC assesses programs according to a set of established standards developed by expert panels in the field of laboratory animal science. The process includes a review of facility operations, personnel qualifications, training programs, veterinary medical services, and other related criteria.
Who are the experts involved with AAALAC?
AAALAC consists of international experts from universities, teaching hospitals, private companies and government agencies who form committees to evaluate and recommend standards for the humane use and care of lab animals.
What is the purpose of an AAALAC accreditation?
An AAALAC accreditation verifies that research institutions have met specific requirements for management of animals used in research and testing. This ensures that animals are well taken care off while scientists conduct their investigations safely and ethically.
Is there any benefit to becoming accredited by AAALAC?
Yes! Institutions that receive accreditation from AAALAC demonstrate a commitment to responsible animal care practices which can improve public perception and confidence in their research activities. Accredited institutions also benefit from improved quality assurance standards when assessed by external regulatory bodies such as NIH or USDA. Additionally, some companies will only work with institutions that have achieved this level of recognition for their animal welfare protocols as part of their supplier selection process.
Does having an AAALAC accreditation guarantee funding or grants?
No; having an accredited status does not guarantee funding or grants from any outside sources. However, it may serve as evidence in support your application if you decide to pursue further funding.
How often should facilities apply for reaccreditation?
Facilities undergo reevaluation every three years to ensure they continue to comply with current standards set forth by AAALAC International Council on Animal Care (ICLAS). During these reviews, organizations have opportunity to implement recommended changes based on reports from previous reviews.
Does obtaining an initial monitoring report automatically mean my facility will receive full accreditation after its first review?
No; receiving a monitoring report does not automatically mean the facility will gain full accreditation upon completion its initial review or during reevaluations thereafter. Any facility must meet all mandatory criteria in order be fully accredited by AAALAC International Council on Animal Care (ICLAS).
Does our institution need certified veterinarians as part of our program in order obtain accreditation fromAAALACInternational Council on Animal Care (ICLAS)?
Yes; according to ABBE guidelines it is required for any institution seeking full acceeditation have at least one certified veterinarian responsible overseeing appropriate Animal Welfare Act compliance.
Final Words:
AAALAC plays an important role supporting high standards for humane animal care around the world. With its recognition across all levels globally it serves as benchmark enabling labs across different countries to not only meet but also exceed expectations governing humane treatment of animals involved in scientific activities such as research or education activities while protecting both public health and welfare.