Animal research facility and in vitro testing laboratory of the Medical University of Łódź is entitled to conduct biological research in vitro and in vitro, using animal models and cell lines. Our professional interest lies in the field of medical research, such as:
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- biochemistry,
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- haematology,
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- biopharmacy,
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- histopathology,
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- medical genetics,
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- blood clotting disorders,
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- surgery: general, oncological, experimental and endocrinological,
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- metabolism,
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- pathology,
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- toxicity,
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- pharmacokinetics,
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- toxicokinetics,
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- behavioural studies.
Our research facility accepts orders from both commercial entrepreneurs and academics native to Medical University of Lodz as well as other universities and research units.
The in vivo and in vitro experimental laboratory complex is entered in the registry of the National Ethics Committee operating at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. We are figuring in the national registry of animal breeders and research facilities, respectively at positions 049, and 0061
Laboratory has the consent and permission of the Minister of the Environment on the contained use of GMOs and, since 2013, it may obtain transgenic mice. It is a registered genetic engineering institution.
Animal research facility and in vitro testing laboratory of the Medical University of Łódź has implemented a management system according to PN-EN ISO/ EC 17025:2018-02
Moreover, the Animal House is a certified test facility in the field of in vitro studies carried out accordingly to the guidelines of Good Laboratory Practice. The studies are carried out using selected methods described by the OECD. We are entered into the national register of research facilities under number 21/2024/DPL.
Good Laboratory Practice Certificate
LIST OF SERVICES:
- Carrying out standardized tests for the biological evaluation of medical devices based on research procedures: PN-EN ISO 10993-5:2009 (in vitro cytotoxicity by methods: MTT, XTT, NRU, CF, agar diffusion); ISO 10993-10:2021 (in vivo skin sensitization – Buehler test, in vivo sensitization – GPMT test); ISO 10993-23:2021, (in vivo irritation – rabbit skin irritation, rabbit intradermal reactivity test, reconstructed human epidermis irritation); PN-EN ISO 10993-6:2017-04, EN ISO 10993-6:2016 (local reaction after implantation in vivo – subcutaneous implantation, intramuscular implantation); PN-EN ISO 10993-11:2018-08 (in vivo systemic toxicity test); PN-EN ISO 10993-3:2014 (genotoxicity – Ames test).
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- Implementation of proprietary research projects: neurology, orthopedics, toxicology, experimental surgery, oncology, metabolic studies and behavioral (AnyMAZE, Morris pool, cage of fear, IntelliCage);
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- Breeding and husbandry of animals with immunodeficiency (IVC);
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- Contained use of GMOs animals GMO;
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- Training courses in the field of experimental procedures on laboratory animals
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- Providing test equipment to companies and for projects
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- Help in the design of experiments on animals and consultations in the course of completing the application to the Local Ethics Committee.
- Performing in vitro cytotoxicity studies in accordance with GLP guidelines (methods: XTT, MTT, agar diffusion, NRU, CF)
PERMISSIONS:
Genetic engineering institution Laboratory has the status of the Institute for Genetic Engineering and consent of the Minister of the Environment on the issue of contained use of GMOs, which facilitates research on immunology and genetic diseases as well as cancer studies using genetically modified animals.
Compatibility with EU/2010/63 Directive We are fully compatible with EU/2010/63 Directive and the amendment of the law on the protection of animals used for scientific or educational purpose.
Keeping SPF and IVC We have infrastructure for the maintenance of (Specific Pathogen Free) animals in the regime of sanitary barrier and the housing of animals with reduced immunity (using Individually Ventilated Cage system IVC)).
Entity in ARiMR The laboratory is an entity registered in the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture authorized for the purchase and ownership of livestock (sheep, goats, pigs).
Certified Test Facility in compliance with GLP principles. Animal House is entered in national register of test facilities performing studies in compliance with GLP principles.
Entity in MNiSW Our laboratory is listed in official Ministry of Science and Higher Education registry as an animal breeding unit, as well as an experimental facility designated to perform in vivo animal research..
In the Animal research facility and in vitro testing laboratory of the Medical University of Łódź, in accordance with Article. 25 of the Act of 15 January 2015 on the protection of animals used for scientific or educational purposes, we have elected an Advisory Body on animal welfare, the members of which are:
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- prof. dr hab. n. med. Jakub Fichna
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- dr n. med. Kamila Bulak
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- Jadwiga Komos, Eng. zootechnics
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- lek. wet. Anna Rybicka
The tasks of the advisory team include, but are not limited to:
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- monitoring of animal welfare
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- counseling in the field of animal welfare
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- maintenance of internal rules of conducting with animals
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- monitoring of animals killing for the purpose of obtaining tissue for research
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- control over conducting experiments and their results
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- reporting of violations
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- opiniowanie wniosków przed złożeniem do Lokalnej Komisji Etycznej.
Anna Rybicka, MDVet, supervises the personnel responsible for animal care and upkeep of the animals, she is also responsible for animal welfare and the organisation of training courses in accordance with the guidelines established by the abovementioned Act.
Best practices for preparing in vivo experiments
The top priority for our unit is ensuring the welfare of animals for research at the highest level, and professional preparation and conduct of tests.
Therefore, we would like to present you the latest NORECOPA guidelines – The Norwegian Platform bringing together Institutions working for development and promotion 3R rules:
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- Replacement – promotes replacing animal models with research on cell lines (in in vitro), computer simulations (in silico) and the use of phantoms or human volunteers as alternatives to laboratory animals.
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- Reduction – assumes accurate planning of experiments, allowing for achievement reliable and statistically significant results using as low as possible number of carefully selected experimental animals.
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- Refinement – use of appropriate pharmaceuticals and treatments zootechnical to reduce suffering and care for animal welfare, so that they will not have a negative impact on the test results.
Below is the NORECOPA website address and the form used successfully by leading Research Centers around the world. It is an excellent tool for precise planning of experiences supporting cooperation between performers of experiments and caring animals. Animal welfare lies in both interests of Animal Houses (User – Permit No. 0061) and investigators (individual permits).
We highly recommend using the form as an excellent tool to facilitate effective planning of experiments.
Chairwoman of the Rectorial Animal Research Committee
Prof. Anna Kilanowicz-Sapota, PhD
The form and the address of the NORECOPA website: https://norecopa.no/
CONTACT
Office tel.: 42 272 55 80 e-mail: animal@umed.lodz.pl
Medical University of Łódź Al. Kościuszki 4, 90-151 Łódź
Animal Research Facility ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Łódź Complaints and applications may be submitted electronically: animal@umed.lodz.pl or in writing to the following address: Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Łódź.