Dog group feeding: A refinement rooted in the 3Rs

IAT Congress 2025 -- The 3Rs principles include reducing the number of animals used in research, replacing animals with valid scientific alternatives, and refining research and testing methods to improve animal welfare. Over recent years, food consumption patterns in laboratory beagle dogs have seen a transformation by which dogs have become food grazers, this being the consequence of ad-libitum provision of food at breeding establishments.​ Whilst ad-libitum feeding regimes suit breeding establishment routines, they are not always practical at research establishments, due to study requirements of feeding at specific time points in relation to dosing times​. Due to the above-mentioned feeding regime differences at breeding vs. research establishments, dogs may need long acclimatisation times to adjust to timed feeding when transferred from breeding to research premises. In this context, there seems to be a directly proportional relation between acclimatisation duration and dogs’ age at time of transferring.​ Longer acclimatisation times might lead to study start delays in cases of low food intake and subsequent loss of body weight and body condition. Group feeding has the potential to improve welfare, meet nutritional needs and address behavioural issues due to reduced separation times, when compared to single feeding regimes.

The progression on welfare for rat pain response

IAT Congress 2025 -- Pain response methods were introduced and methods were adapted for studies that were run at Labcorp in Eye, UK, to investigate the development for anti-neoplastic treatment for children suffering with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is classified as an embryonal tumour, a type of cancer that develops from the cells left behind from a baby’s development in the womb. The cells from which it develops are specific cells in the nervous system called neuroblasts. Two different pain response methods were used across the project. In the first part of the project using the Hsd:RH-Foxn1rnu rats, pain response was assessed using an analgesiometer designed for the Randall-Selitto test. In the second part of the project using Sprague-Dawley rat, the Von Frey test was used. Traditionally, this method uses a Perspex arena with a wire-grid floor with graded-thickness filaments introduced on the plantar surface of the rat hind paws through the wire grid. However, as the study was performed with juvenile animals from post-natal day (PND) 10, the use of the wire-grid floored arena would not have been suitable due to the small size of the paws. We therefore adapted the technique to be performed in-hand.

Continuous intravenous infusion in mice to support drug development: An update to include juvenile testing

IAT Congress 2025 -- To support development of compounds requiring a constant exposure level, toxicology studies can be conducted with a continuous intravenous infusion method of administration, using surgically prepared animals, for up to 24 hours a day. Until recently, the rat has been the species of choice for such testing, but an alternative species can be the mouse and, therefore, a mouse vascular infusion model was developed for repeated dosing/long-term toxicity infusion studies. Typically, this would involve adult animals; however, based on a requirement to support use of drugs in the paediatric population, there is a potential need to dose animals of juvenile age. This poster will present results showing how vascular continuous infusion in mice with tail-cuff exteriorization has been developed and refined, along with the successful use of two other infusion models in juvenile-age mice (tail cuff and vascular access button exteriorisation). 

Inhalation rat tube restraint – Best practice guidance

IAT Congress 2025 -- To facilitate the administration of test article via the inhalation route with rats, the tube restraint provides a safe and practical solution. However, incorrect loading and restraint within the tube can cause injury, discomfort and stress to the animal. To ensure this is prevented, training in this procedure has been developed to ensure awareness and correct performance of the technique. It also enables greater understanding of issues that can occur. 

Genetic testing helps one family navigate a challenging diagnosis

After facing early-onset colon cancer, Bridgette is sharing her story of her first colon cancer symptoms and raising awareness of early colon cancer screening.

Beyond blood sugar: Navigating the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes

Katie’s inspiring story of living with Type 1 diabetes highlights the challenges she's faced, from childhood diagnosis to navigating pregnancy. Learn about her journey, the importance of support systems, and the power of self-advocacy in managing this condition

Biopharma Industry Stakeholders Advance Labcorp’s Global Trial Connect Platform in Addressing Key Clinical Trial Delivery Challenges

Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, has expanded engagement efforts with key stakeholders across the clinical trials ecosystem that are helping to advance its Global Trial Connect portfolio to deliver solutions addressing key clinical trial delivery challenges. 

Seven tips to reduce heart disease risk

Our hearts are the engines that power our lives, so taking care of them should be a top priority. Unfortunately, heart disease is still the leading cause of mortality in the United States. But the good news is it’s also largely preventable through simple lifestyle changes. February is American Heart Month and a great time to look at the modifiable risk factors for developing this disease. After all, the key to a healthier heart is largely in your hands.

Labcorp Announces 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Company Provides 2025 Guidance Results from Continuing Operations versus last year: Revenue: Q4 of $3.33 billion vs $3.03 billion ; Full year of $13.01 billion vs $12.16 billion Diluted EPS: Q4 of $1.70 vs $(1.95) ; Full year of $8.84 vs $4.33 Adjusted EPS: Q4 of $3.45 vs $3.30 ; Full year of

How lab data enables more accurate patient coding for value-based care success

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, value-based care is playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes while effectively managing costs. For providers engaged in value-based care programs, accurate patient coding isn’t just important—it's essential for achieving success. Unfortunately, many ACOs and Medicare Advantage networks face significant challenges due to coding inaccuracies, which can hinder their progress toward performance goals and cost savings. In this blog, Labcorp's Brian Buesing, Vice President of commercial efforts for large physician organizations and value-based care networks, explores how integrating robust laboratory data can streamline coding practices and ultimately lead to better health outcomes and financial performance.