Use of biophotonic imaging as a training aid for administration of substances in laboratory rodents.

Dosing of experimental animals and the removal of blood are two of the most frequent procedures performed in biomedical research using live animals. Despite the apparently simple nature of these procedures, they can, if not correctly carried out, have significant effects on the welfare of the animals and the scientific value of the results. There are several methods by which research staff may obtain training in the administration of substances. These include practical demonstrations during teaching courses; observation of techniques; videos and educational computer programs and practising on recently killed animal cadavers or plastic animal models. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. A common factor encountered during training is the difficulty in assessing competency. This paper reports a pilot study on the use of bioluminescent imaging technology to assess competency in the administration of substances to rodents. Bioluminescence was rapidly detected after dosing of animals with a bioluminescent substance. However, living animals were required for a signal to be generated. The data presented suggest that this technology is ideal for use as a teaching aid and may also prove valuable in assessing the effectiveness of 'complex' and novel administration routes in 'realtime'.