Economic and technical considerations in the procurement of laboratory rodents.

Research cost effectiveness is an increasing fact of life in this climate of spiraling inflation, restricted budgets, advancing technology and increased regulatory complexities. Because rodent procurement is an easily identifiable cost center, it may become a target for budgetary restriction without judicious consideration of its impact on the total research effort. If such reductions compromise sound biologic, genetic or health principles, the result may be research delays or repetition, inefficient or ineffective use of scientific personnel and increased project costs. Procurement decisions should be based on the development of specific biologic, genetic and health parameters required by the project design. Potential sources of supply should be assessed to determine compliance with these criteria. Further analysis must include an evaluation of institutional resources to determine compatibility with procurement standards over the term of the project. Only then can procurement costs be placed in proper perspective.