This guide will help GUMC and GU researchers address the 3Rs and fulfill IACUC requirements about alternatives searching in protocol submissions. This includes choosing at least two different databases to search, selecting appropriate search terms, and combining with boolean operators (AND/OR).
The goal of the search is to retrieve results that might help determine if other experimental methodologies exist that can replace animal models, or new procedures/methodologies that are less painful and/or distressful; and to reduce animal numbers.
"The principal investigator must provide a written narrative of the sources, such as biological abstracts, Index Medicus, the Current Research Information Service (CRIS), and the Animal Welfare Information Center that is operated by the National Agricultural Library. - Federal Register: Final Rules and Regulations; Vol. 54 (168), August 31, 1989.
From Animal Care Policy #12: The database search narrative should include:
