NIA IRP Comparative Medicine Section

NIA的比较医学组（CMS）负责研究衰老生物学相关问题时使用的研究动物的健康状况。CMS的职责包括但不限于提供满足特定物种和特定年龄需求和要求的住房和护理。CMS还旨在支持NIA的科学研究，为研究人员提供人道处理这些动物和实验技术的培训。此外，CMS确保所有动物研究都符合NIA， NIH和联邦法规和指导方针。

The Comparative Medicine Section (CMS) of the NIA is responsible for the well-being of research animals employed in the investigation of pertinent questions about the biology of aging. CMS responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the provision of housing and care that meets species-specific and age-specific needs and requirements. The CMS also aims to support NIA scientific research by providing training to investigators in the humane handling of these animals and the performance of experimental techniques. Furthermore, the CMS ensures that all animal research is conducted in compliance with NIA, NIH, and federal regulations and guidelines. The CMS works to establish firm, consistent resource management while maintaining a collaborative relationship with investigators. Technical assistance in the form of breeding management, sample collection, and experimental manipulations is available upon request. The CMS also provides mouse behavior phenotyping services to NIA investigators and holds a contract used by investigators to genotype their animals. Approximately 2700 samples/month are sent to the contractor. For investigators wishing to access the NIA vivarium, facility training must be completed prior to initial entry. CMS provided training includes facility access requirements, biosecurity measures, proper animal handling, relevant regulations, and other related issues. Updates in regulations or facility procedures are provided by the Animal Program Director (APD) at bimonthly Advisory Committee to the Animal Program (ACAP) meetings. The animal program, vivarium, and animal laboratory areas are inspected and evaluated twice a year by the NIA Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC). These semi-annual reviews are conducted in accordance with federal regulations. In addition to these internal reviews, the animal program is assessed every three years by AAALAC (formerly the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International), a private organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science. In June 2016 the NIA animal program was site visited by AAALAC. The outcome of the site visit was full continuing accreditation with no suggestions for improvement. CMS staff members assist with NIA IRP research projects and may conduct novel research with a focus on improving the health and welfare of animals in their care. CMS initiated projects aim to answer current questions in facility management and in the special needs and care of aging animals.