Quality, First and Foremost
Sophisticated and complex biomedical research efforts demand lab animals that meet the precise needs of each study. Therefore, associated breeding, testing, and
protocol administration services must be performed appropriately in order to provide animals of high genetic quality. Across the company, Taconic Biosciences demonstrates our commitment to
meeting these requirements.
| Health Standards | Colony Management | Genetics |
| The most options for health standards among all vendors | Only company to provide global harmonization of health standards and true gnotobiotic profiles | Only company to provide Global Colony Management Harmonization Program that
ensures high genetic continuity and stabilization across Taconic sites
|
| Key strains such as B6 are offered at multiple health standards providing experimental choice | Inbred strains refreshed from cryopreserved stock at set intervals to ensure genetic integrity
| Genetic Monitoring Program employs qualitative and quantitative testing reducing
risk and ensuring quality
|
| Outbred animal stocks bred using defined schemes to maintain diversity over time | |
Animal Health
At Taconic, quality starts with the production of lab rodents that meet our clients' specifications and are free of pathogens and unwanted organisms. Our health monitoring
processes assure that you receive animals of the highest definition and integrity.
Every animal produced by Taconic is tested using the International Health Monitoring System™ (IHMS™), which meets or exceeds the guidelines used by virtually all
research institutions worldwide. IHMS™ testing ensures that you consistently obtain the quality materials your research requires eliminating costly delays. Testing results are
reviewed by our veterinary staff before release to our clients.
Animal Genetics
Genetic monitoring is key to quality control of the breeding and production of inbred and transgenic lines of laboratory mice and rats. Taconic has established numerous
production procedures that minimize the risk of genetic contamination. Our Genetic Monitoring Program is grounded in the identification of points in the production program where
there is a higher risk of an undetected accidental mating or strain misidentification. By focusing genetic screening methods such as SNP Analysis on these critical high-risk points,
while scrutinizing quality control throughout, a genetic monitoring program can prevent a single mistake from becoming catastrophic.
Taconic's overall Genetic Monitoring Program is based on a combination of three strategies. Visual characteristics of strains (most notably, coat color). Production procedures that
minimize co-localization and/or movement of strains of similar colors and that promote careful record keeping and strain segregation. Standard operating procedures that outline
DNA-based marker and/or protein testing of animals at specific, defined, potential risk points in the production process.
Qualified, Trained Staff
Taconic commitment to quality is further evidenced in the investment and value placed on employee training and development. All Animal Care Technicians attend training in
Standard Operating Procedures covering all aspects of animal husbandry and undergo extensive genetics training. Additionally, U.S. Animal Care Technicians may also
pursue certification by the highly respected AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science). European Animal Care technicians complete the authority-certified education as
noted in European Directive 2010/63/EU and as required by Danish and German regulations, which includes a combination of theoretical and practical training.
Advanced Facilities
Our unique facility barrier systems significantly reduce the risk of colony contamination, while automated systems monitor temperature, humidity, and other variables 24/7.
