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Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane

Program of Laboratory Animal Resources (PLAR)

Technical Services

PLAR employs a veterinary specialist who is available to assist researchers with technical procedures. Typical tasks that can be conducted include:

  • Identification (ear tag, ear punch, tattoo)
  • Tail snips for genotyping
  • Assist with or perform injections, blood draws, gavage
  • Preparation for surgery (surgical packs, animal prep)
  • Assist with or perform surgical procedures
  • Post-operative care (recovery, analgesics)
  • Assist with or perform tissue collection
  • Hematology Services

The benefit of utilizing the veterinary specialist is that they are highly qualified to perform technical duties. This also provides support to the research staff during the busiest times of the study. The time of the Veterinary Specialist is charged in 15 minutes increments. See the per diem rate sheet for the hourly charge.

Equipment

The vivarium maintains a wide array of equipment that is available to all researchers. Equipment includes:

  • Isoflurane Vaporizers
  • Heating Pads
  • Hot Bead Sterilizers
  • Restrainers for tail snip or tail vein injection
  • Three Procedure/Surgery Rooms; two rooms are equipped with heated surgery tables
  • Surgical Lights
  • Small 37° Incubator
  • Fume Hoods
  • Biosafety Cabinets
  • Gases (O2, CO2)

The following equipment is available through the research service center for a fee:

  • Imaging Equipment (IVIS, Quantum)
  • Ultrasound
  • Irradiator
  • Dry Ice
  • Liquid Nitrogen