how to get better preclinical results with less animal stress

Medical scientists have embraced the 3Rs (or NC3Rs) protocols to improve the humane handling of laboratory animals in medical research. The 3Rs protocol encompasses Replace, Reduce, and Refine.

• Replace: finding alternatives to using animals
• Reduce: commitment to using fewer animals
• Refine: altering practices to eliminate animal suffering

How the VAMS™ Collection Method Supports Animal Welfare

Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling technology requires only a droplet of blood for testing. Using the Mitra^® collection device, a small blood specimen can be collected without creating undue stress on the subject that traditional needles and larger blood draw cause. As a result, more samples can be drawn from the same animal. By reducing stress, the blood analysis provides cleaner results.

Due to the small sample size, a higher level of consistency is possible with the ability to draw multiple samples from the same animal. The dried microsamples of less than ten microliters, once taken, can be stored, shipped, and analyzed without refrigeration or special handling.

The VAMS collection method can be used for pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics, toxicokinetic, and efficacy evaluations, and result in improved test results while cutting costs.

How Does VAMS Work?

With the Mitra VAMS collection device, the blood draws from the animal is consistent and accurate. The animal is given a local anesthesia before a 10µl sample is drawn. The sampling device has a hydrophilic tip that absorbs the droplet in a few seconds, ensuring a consistent volume for analysis.

Microsampling frees preclinical researchers from the “one sample, one mouse, one-time point” sampling process.

Advantages of Microsampling in Laboratory Animals

1. Reduction of animals required for testing by nearly 90 percent
2. More samples per animal, which reduces variability
3. Lower labor and handling costs
4. The ability to obtain drug exposure data in main study animals
5. Minimal stress on lab animals resulting in greater accuracy

The use of VAMS reduces study costs by 80 percent.