Animal Research Facilities

History

The facility was originally built in early 1980 on the premises of the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. The USDA granted certification as facilities for Scientific Research # 94-R-0010 that same year. In 1983 Ponce School of Medicine and the Catholic University of Puerto Rico joined forces to submit a federal proposal, and received the necessary funds for refurbishment of the facilities in order to comply with more stringent federal requirements. At this time our research facilities were recognized by the USDA as the best throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In 2005, after receiving additional NIH funding, we completed construction of the 1st phase of the current animal facility. In 2007 the President and Dean Dr. Raul Armstrong officially inaugurated the new building “Animal Research Facilities”. Currently plans are underway to complete the 2nd and 3rd phases of the project.

SERVICES

  • Establishment of colonies of animals, especially rodents, for experimentation.

  • Provision of animal care (food, water, and bedding) under the optimal environmental conditions, in addition to care of animals during experimentation.

  • Training and information for researchers and technicians in regard to the animals they intend to use for their studies.

  • Provision and coordination of Continuing Education related to animal care and use.

  • Facilitation of retrieval of information on the characteristics of species for those interested in the use of laboratory animals.

  • Encouragement of student involvement from schools and universities interested in scientific research.

  • Compliance with all regulations, laws and requirements that apply to this type of facility for the maintenance of its accreditations.

  • Provision of veterinary medical services (regular and emergency) to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in the Facilities.

Administration

The ARF is under the deanship of the:

Caroline Appleyard, PhD

IACUC Chair

Kenira Thompson, PhD

President of Ponce Research Institute

Vice President of Research, Ponce Health Sciences University

Ms. Lizette Laboy Molinari

Supervisor and Coordinator

Animal Research Facilities

Monica Montalvo

Perdiem Rates

Animal Research Facility Not Affiliated Affiliated
Schedule of Charges – Effective January 1, 2021
Cost center Description                                             Rate Rate
Per Diem Includes animal care and husbandry and routine
veterinary services
Mouse – Small cages- Level 1 Single Housing (1 per cage) 0.98 0.95
Mouse – Small cages- Level 1 Multiple housing (2-5 per cage) 1.45 1.25
Mouse – Large cages- Level 1 Multiple housing (6-15 per cage ) 1.75 1.55
Mouse – Small cages- Level 2 Single Housing (1 per cage) with microisolator filter 1.25 1.15
Mouse – Small cages- Level 2 Multiple Housing(2-5) with microisolator filter 1.65 1.30
Mouse Quarantine (10 days) Single Housing (1 per cage) 1.20 1.10
Mouse Quarantine (10 days) Multiple Housing (2-5 per cage) 1.90 1.50
Mouse Quarantine (10 days) Single Housing (1 per cage) with microisolator filter 2.10 1.98
Mouse Quarantine (10 days) Multiple Housing (2-5 per cage) with microisolator filter 2.25 2.10
Rat – Medium cages- Level 1 Single Housing (1 per cage) 1.25 1.05
Rat – Medium cages- Level 1 Multiple Housing(2-3 per cage) 2.25 2.10
Rat – Large cages- Level 1 multiple Housing(4-5 per cage) 2.55 2.25
Rat Quarantine (10 days) Single Housing (1 per cage) Medium cages 1.50 1.25
Rat Quarantine (10 days) Multiple Housing(2-3 per cage) Medium cages 2.50 2.25
Rat Quarantine (10 days) Multiple Housing(4-5 per cage) Large cages 2.75 2.50
Animal Husbandry-Additional Services
Mouse – Special Care Extra bedding changes/week 0.70 0.50
Rat – Special Care Extra bedding changes/week 0.90 0.60
Managed Breeding Services
Level 1 Mouse and Rat per cage 0.35 0.20
Level 2 Mouse per cage 0.80 0.40
Administrative Services
One time setup 150 NC
Nominal Cost/ per year Include use related areas, biological waste disposal (0-50 lbs)  

350

  

NC
biohazards, animal receiving (first order included)
Additional Animal Receiving For each order 25 15
Other Expenses / per year Administrative and operational expenses/access keys 200 NC

 

 

Schedule of Charges

Animal Research Facility Not Affiliated Affiliated
Schedule of Charges – Effective January 1, 2021
Cost center Description                                              Rate Rate
Technical Asistance (Labor)
Technician-regular hours Time spent providing support and services 25 N/A
Technician- overtime hours Time spent providing support and services 45 N/A
Veterinarian- regular hours One visit to the Animal House per week NC NC
Veterinarian- overtime hours Time spent providing support and services  

TBD

  

TBD
to the animals in experimental zones
IACUC fee per each protocol submitted
Full Review 1500 NC
Renewal 500 NC
Amendment 250 NC
Diet & Bedding
Rodent diet Teklad Global 18% Protein rodent diet (33 lb) 50 40
Corn Cob Bedding Corn Cob 1/8″(40 lb) 45 40
Paper Bedding Pellet paper bedding (40 lb) 45 40
Diagnostic Laboratory Tests
Ectoparasites Direct smear 10 NC
Pinworm Tape test 35 NC
Fecal Flotation Parasites 35 15
Necropsy Fast inhouse necropsy 35 NC
Necropsy Necropsy /tisssue harvesting / setting and report writing TBD TBD
Specific Laboratory Test Samples will be sent to external laboratories 20 % above lab charges 20 % above lab charges
 

Notes:

1.   Level 1 rodent rates include conventional shoebox cages.

2.   Level 2 rodent rates include room air filter and/or

cage with filter top (microisolator filter).

I A C U C

IACUC

IACUC(The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee)

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, or IACUC, is a committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the institution. The IACUC has certain federally mandated responsibilities, such as review of protocols and periodic evaluations of the program of animal care and use, including inspections of facilities. The IACUC Guidebook (PDF – 1.2 MB) , published in 1992 by OPRR and the Applied Research Ethics National Association (ARENA), is a recommended manual for IACUCs.

This committee is by required to Institutions that use live animals in their research facilities using federal and NIH funds :

  1. OLAW (Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare), reflects the August 7, 2002 PHS Policy amendment permitting institutions with PHS Animal Welfare Assurances to submit verification of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval for competing applications or proposals subsequent to peer review but prior to award (67 FR 51289). Also included in this reprint are the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training. The U.S. Principles were promulgated in 1985 by the Interagency Research Animal Committee and adopted by U.S. Government agencies that either develop requirements for or sponsor procedures involving the use of vertebrate animals. The Principles were incorporated into the PHS Policy in 1986 and continue to provide a framework for conducting research in accordance with the Policy.
  1. USDA/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service / Department of Agriculture / Animal Welfare Regulations – The Chief Executive Officer of the research facility shall appoint an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to assess the research facility’s animal program, facilities, and procedures. Except as specifically authorized by law or these regulations, nothing in this part shall be deemed to permit the Committee or IACUC to prescribe methods or set standards for the design, performance, or conduct of actual research or experimentation by a research facility.

Criteria for IACUC Review and Approval of Protocols

  1. Procedures with animals will avoid or minimize discomfort, distress, and pain to the

animals, consistent with sound research design.

  1. Procedures that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress to the

animals will be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia, unless the procedure is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator.

  1. Animals that would otherwise experience severe or chronic pain or distress that cannot be relieved will be painlessly killed at the end of the procedure or, if appropriate, during the procedure.
  2. The living conditions of animals will be appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. The housing, feeding, and nonmedical care of the animals will be directed by a veterinarian or other scientist trained and experienced in the proper care, handling, and use of the species being maintained or studied.
  3. Medical care for animals will be available and provided as necessary by a qualified veterinarian.
  4. Personnel conducting procedures on the species being maintained or studied will be appropriately qualified and trained in those procedures.
  5. Methods of euthanasia used will be consistent with the recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia, unless a deviation is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator.

(from IV. C.1.a.-g. of the PHS Policy)*

IACUC Members

IACUC MEMBERS


Chairperson, IACUC
Name: Caroline B. Appleyard, Ph.D
Institutional Official
Name: Dr. Kenira Thompson


Membership of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Name of Institution: Ponce Medical School Foundation, Inc

Assurance Number: D16-00352
 Effective Date- July 6. 2017 – July 31, 2021
*From January 1, 2007

Chairperson Name, Title and Degree/Credentials
 Business Adrress, Phone, Fax and Email of Chairperson
Name: Caroline B. Appleyard address: Ponce Medical School Foundation, Inc
Basic Sciences Physiology Division
P.O. Box 7004
Ponce, P.R. 00732
Title: Professor
Degree/Credential: Ph.D. Phone: 787-840-2575
x. 2165		 Fax: 7878-841-1040 Email:
cappleyard@psm.edu
Name of
Member/Code*		 Degree/Credentials Position Title PHS Policy Membership
Requirements**
Kenneth Thompson D.V.M. Staff Veterinarian Veterinarian
Monica Montalvo D.V.M. Municipal Animal Protection Non-affiliated Veterinarian
Lizette Laboy Molinari BS Supervisor Animal Facilities Non-scientific member
Alexandra Cardona Lic. None Non-affiliated member
James Porter Ph.D. Associate Professor Scientist
Harold Saavedra Ph.D. Associate Professor Scientist experienced in research involving animals

* Names of members, other than the chairperson and veterinarian, may be represented by a number or symbol in this submission to OLAW. Sufficient information to determine that all appointees are appropriately qualified must be provided and the identity of each member must be readily ascertainable by the institution and available to authorized OLAW or other PHS representatives upon request NOTE: Non-voting members must be so identified. ** – PHS Policy Membership Requirements:

Veterinarian a veterinarian with direct or delegated program responsibility
Scientist a practicing scientist experienced in research involving animals
Nonscientist a member whose primary concerns are in a nonscientific area (e.g. ethicist, lawyer, member of the clergy)
Nonaffiliated member

a member who is not affiliated with the institution in any way other than as a member of the IACUC, and who is not a member of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated. This member is expected to represent general community interests in the proper care and use of animals and should not be a laboratory animal user. A consulting attending veterinarian may not be considered nonaffiliated.

Animal Subject &nbsp Statement Protocol

  • The IACUC will not review any protocol form that does not include an abstract outlining the context of the studies and why they will be done.

  • Please answer every question and all the information requested with sufficient detail.

  • Questions not relevant to study should be marked N/A.

  • Fill out form and email to Frances Irizarry

IACUC Protocol Form

IACUC at PSM

The IACUC reviews and inspect, at least once every six months, the institution’s program for the humane care and use of animals, and the animal facilities (including the satellite facilities). The committee regularly meets to deal with issues as they arise, such as new protocols or animal concerns. In each case, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) is used as the basis for evaluation. The IACUC then prepares evaluations as set forth in the PHS policy and submits semi-annual and annual reports to the PHS and the USDA through the Institutional Official (Kenira Thompson , PhD). It also reviews any concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution and provides written recommendations to both the Institutional Official and to any investigators involved.

All investigators intending to use animals must submit a completed Animal Subject Statement Protocol. The IACUC reviews and either approves or disapproves those activities related to the care and use of animals. They may also propose significant changes regarding the use of animals in ongoing activities. Investigators and the institution are informed in writing of any decision to approve or withhold approval of those activities related to the care and use of animals, or of modifications required to secure IACUC approval. Finally, the IACUC is authorized to suspend an activity involving animals.

Investigators are requested to complete an Annual Evaluation of Animal Handling and Welfare Form. This enables the IACUC to assess the ongoing needs of the investigator. A PSM Animal Research Facilities Workshop has provided investigators with seminars on the ethical issues of animal use, overview of the IACUC and a wet-lab. A video of this workshop is available for loan to interested investigators or students.
Welcome to STREAMLYNE, a New system experience

https://research.ponce.streamlyne.org

PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ENTERING STREAMLYNE…

Overview of the IACUC Protocol & Committee Modules

Streamlyne’s IACUC Protocol & Committee Modules are designed to facilitate the institutional processes that safeguard the welfare of laboratory animals and ensure compliance with the federally-mandated humane care and use of animals involved in research, research training, and biological testing activities. Principal Investigators initiate and submit IACUC protocols, amendments, and continuations within the system. Protocols are automatically routed to the appropriate departments and corresponding IACUCs for review and approval. Reviewers and Committee Members have access to the protocols online where their comments and decisions are preserved. IACUC administrators have all the tools they need to track protocols, coordinate reviews, manage committee meetings, maintain associated correspondence, and properly administer protocols throughout their lifecycles.

To see the complete guide follow this link:  Click Here

Example of the StreamLyne Login Page:
**If you do not have a Streamlyne account, complete this form to request an account: http://j.mp/2Atz5pC **

For PHSU/PRI users, if you don’t remember your Streamlyne password or you need to reset it, please call (787)-840-2575 Ext. 5002 with the IT Department.

For external users, ff you do not remember your Streamlyne password or you need to reset it, please fill out this form: http://j.mp/2PMWcmy.  The process of the password reset for the account will take from one to two labor days.  Once your password has reset, you will receive a notification to the email address provided with your log in instructions.

Forms

Animal Requisition Form

BEDDING AND FOOD REQUEST FORM

ACCREDITATIONS

PHS Animal Welfare Assurance Number: D16-00352 (A3585-1), Effective Dates 7/6/2017 -7/31/2021

Accredited by:

United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “Class A Research Facility”: Certified 94-R-9910

Staff

Contact Us

Location

Urb. Industrial Reparada 280
calle Monterey, Ponce  Puerto Rico 00716

Postal Address
P.O. Box 7004
Ponce, P.R. 00732

Frances Irizarry, IACUC Administrator,  #Ext 4252

Jean M. Torres, Streamlyne Administrator

Lizzette Laboy

  • Phone: (787)841-4666 / (787)840-2575  x.5653

  • Fax: (787) 841-3330

  • E-mail: firizarry@psm.edu

  • Website: www.psm.edu

  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm