by Ashley Cogswell | Apr 30, 2020 | Compliance manager, IT, Large Facilities, Operations Manager, Small Facilities
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that normal operations can be disrupted at any time to varying degrees as a result of completely unforeseeable or underestimated events. This is why animal care and use programs must have disaster and business... 
by Ashley Cogswell | Oct 16, 2019 | Large Facilities, Operations Manager, Small Facilities, Vet
TOPAZ Elements has numerous modules (13 at last count!) that can be used effectively in a variety of combinations. It is true to say, however, that the Census module (along with the Protocols module) represents a sort of “hub of the wheel.” The Census module allows... 
by Central_Marketing | Sep 30, 2019 | Compliance manager, Large Facilities, Operations Manager, Small Facilities
We’re getting close to that time of year again! TOPAZ will be at the 2019 National AALAS meeting in Denver, as always. We’ll be at booth 838, so stop by to chat about Elements or just to say “hi” (and grab a cool giveaway)! This year we are, once again, following... 
by Central_Marketing | Sep 25, 2019 | Compliance manager, Large Facilities, Operations Manager, Small Facilities
An important part of reporting to OLAW for PHS fund recipient institutions is reporting of non-compliance for incidents that impact animal welfare. The requirements are clearly summarized on the OLAW pages, but of course, leave the internal administrative mechanism up... 
by Ashley Cogswell | Aug 29, 2019 | Compliance manager, Large Facilities, Operations Manager, Small Facilities
The annual report that must be submitted to OLAW is very much focused on the constitution and effectiveness of the IACUC, along with any changes that may affect the institutions accreditation. The report requirements are clearly defined on the OLAW pages, and are... 
by Ashley Cogswell | Aug 8, 2019 | Large Facilities, Operations Manager, Small Facilities
The need for training when using animals in research is ubiquitous. Almost every topic in the Guide includes the word “training.” The AALAC FAQ page mentions “training” 13 times, including under topics as diverse as respirator use, use of invertebrate animals, and...