Standard Operating Procedures

The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) posted are CM internal documents that describe routine procedures performed in the animal housing facilities in detail. SOPs outline responsibilities, safety precautions, and recordkeeping requirements. Those relevant to equipment also include validation and documentation of performance. SOPs are supposed to help in standardizing output and avoiding mistakes, troubleshoot problems and ensure continuity of procedures even when performed by different staff members. Our SOPs are used in training and demonstration of proficiency of everybody involved in the best practices described. Adherence to SOPs is critical for consistency and minimization of variability that could affect research studies and wellbeing of animals.

Although meant primarily for CM staff members certain SOPs are also beneficial for research personnel to follow for the same reasons mentioned above. The description of procedures can be valuable for grant proposals and manuscripts.