{"Equipment":"\n","Purpose":"

\n\tSHIRPA and dysmorphology were originally always separate assessments.  However they have recently been combined as assessments, so that they take place at the same time.

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\n\tThe purpose of the assessments is to examine mice for obvious physical characteristics, behaviors and morphological abnormalities.

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\n\tDescriptions include abnormal locomotion/appearance/behavior/reflex reactions.

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\n\tThe BCM-specific CSD procedure differs from the IMPC procedure in that the IMPC-mandatory parameter "Locomotor activity" (and associated metadata parameters) is not included in BCM's procedure, as BCM perform Open Field as standard instead.

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\n","Notes":"
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  1. \n\t\tIf wiping down with ethanol prior to the use of equipment, make sure no ethanol residue remains as the ethanol may affect the behaviour of the animals.
    2. \n\t
  2. \n\t\tThe validity of results obtained from behavioural phenotyping is largely dependent on methods of animal husbandry. It is important that individuals following this procedure are experienced and aware of the animal’s welfare, and is familiar with the animal being tested, in order to reduce the anxiety levels of the animal prior to testing.
    3. \n\t
  3. \n\t\tThe majority of mouse behavioural studies are age/sex/strain dependent. It is important to keep these parameters comparable throughout a single experiment.
    4. \n\t
  4. \n\t\tEnvironmental factors may contribute to the levels of anxiety within the mouse. The temperature, humidity, ventilation, noise intensity and light intensity must be maintained at levels appropriate for mice. It is essential that the mice be kept in a uniform environment before and after testing to avoid anomalous results being obtained.
    5. \n\t
  5. \n\t\tIt is recommended that all phenotyping experimentation is conducted at approximately the same time of day because physiological and biochemical parameters change throughout the day.
    6. \n\t
  6. \n\t\tWhen a number of mice are tested continuously, residual odours from the equipment used in the preceding test may affect the test results. The floor and walls of the arena, ruler, and metal net should be wiped clean before introducing the next mouse. To prevent infection, the equipment should be washed with water at the completion of the day's tests. Some specific pathogen-free facilities use ultraviolet irradiation when tests are not being performed. Care needs to be taken, however, to ensure that ultraviolet irradiation does not crack any acrylate equipment covered with residual alcohol.
    7. \n
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