History 

The Laboratory Animal Center (LAC) of National Defense Medical Center (NDMC) was  founded in 1984, and was moved to the basement of the new main building of NDMC located in Neihu in 2000. We are the first research institution in Taiwan granted a full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) since 2007.

Features

Facilities and Humane Animal Care :

The entire space in LAC is 4500 square meters including several functional areas, such as the SPF Barrier Area, the Rodent Barrier Area, the Large Animal Area, the Biohazard and Holding Area, the Surgery Area, the Quarantine Area, the Preparing Area and the Administrative Area. LAC assures that laboratory animals are treated according to high ethical and scientific standards. The mice and rats are raised in individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems. The rabbits are raised in well-designed cages that prevents foot injury. Dogs and pigs are raised in pens. Non-human primates are raised in forest-like surroundings (tree and sky painting on the walls) that mimic the nature. Besides, snacks and toys (enrichment) are provided for animal welfare.

Ethics and Animal Use :

The 5Rs principles, which represent  Replacement, Reduction, Refinement, Responsibility and Respect for all life, are our concern. The laboratory animals include mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, pigs and non-human primates. The projects carried out in LAC are about 200 cases annually. Various kinds of research project have been performed including those related to diabetes, cancer, hypertension, gene therapy, nephritic disease, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, Chinese herbal medicine, dental research, immunology, infectious disease, ophthalmology, orthopedics, vaccine, etc.

Quality Control :

Health monitor for animals and environment control are routinely performed in the center for quality control of animals.

Technical Training :

LAC provides the ethical and technical training programs for laboratory animal users periodically.