The use of animals in research is a privilege that is overseen by regulatory agencies.  Calvert’s  AAALAC accreditation, USDA Accreditation, assurance with OLAW , adherence to FDA, EPA and OECD Guidelines indicates our commitment to quality care and use of animals. The use of animals in research involves responsibility for the animals. The federal laws and guidelines for individuals working with laboratory animals contain certain requirements for training of personnel to ensure competent and humane treatment of experimental animals.  Well-trained research staff reduce animal pain and distress because they can perform the techniques with proficiency, resulting in the generation of better quality data.   Animals that are under pain and/or distress have difficulty adapting to changes in their environment or physiological condition, displaying unpredictable maladaptive or abnormal responses, which is an uncontrolled experimental variable.  For these reasons, it is critical that individuals working with animals are knowledgeable in the appropriate handling and use for the animals that are utilized. 

Training at Calvert encompasses regulatory training that includes, but is not limited to, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)  - FDA GLP, EPA TSCA, EPA FIFRA, OECD Guidelines and the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare.  GLP training is performed annually, as well as Blood Borne Pathogen training.  Individuals involved with radioactive materials receive Radiation Safety Training.   The Calvert staff are notified each time Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) have been revised or a new SOP has been released so that they may review the SOP should it pertain to them.  The SOP review is documented on the SOP review form, which is then placed in the training file.

Calvert provides in house training for the Laboratory Animal Resource staff in the form of a Laboratory Animal Care Course offered by PMI Feeds, Inc. and encourages AALAS Certification for the laboratory animal care staff, as well as for research associates. Calvert also provides the members of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee with the opportunity to attend meetings and seminars.  Calvert provides opportunities for all employees to attend outside training opportunities in the form of conferences and meetings.  Calvert willingly sends the staff to other facilities or brings in qualified individuals to train the staff in innovative procedures.

Training for animal procedures at Calvert are performed according to Calvert Training Manual and under the direct supervision of the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine.  Calvert maintains colonies specifically for training purposes at all times. Proper handling and restraint of the animals utilized at Calvert are one of the first procedures taught. One must be able to demonstrate proficiency in restraint and handling of the animal, to prevent injury to the animal or themselves, before any other procedures involving animals are taught.  Once proficiency in handling is demonstrated a dosing procedure is selected, demonstrated by the trainer, and then performed by the individual under the direct supervision of the trainer.  After the individual is able to perform the procedure properly under the watchful eye of the trainer, the individual is then instructed to practice the technique until he/she feels that they are proficient.  Should the individual have difficulties with the procedure, the trainer intervenes and gives him/her a different option to try.   Once the individual feels that he/she is proficient performing the procedure then a practical exam is given.  The score of the practical exam must be 100%.  Anything less is not accepted.  Should an individual fail, it is explained to him/her why they have failed, the trainer assists him/her in overcoming the cause of the failure and then he/she is instructed to practice again and a second test is initiated. 

All training at Calvert is tracked using a computer program and extensive training files are also maintained for each individual.