A tool for technician training

In 2003, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science established the AALAS Learning Library (ALL), an internet-based training system that is used primarily for technician certification training and for IACUC-mandated training. Parker-Thornburg et al. describe the ALL in detail and evaluate which aspects of the system are most accessed by subscribers. They also analyze the system's efficacy in helping users to pass technician certification exams. See page 195

Teaching surgery online

Despite an increasing demand for surgical expertise in the animal research community, surgical training opportunities are few and far between. Baran and colleagues discuss the potential of computer-based or electronic learning (e-learning) as a tool that can help laboratory personnel to make the most of hands-on training workshops. The authors describe different types of electronic delivery methods and present a few basic considerations for designing and implementing an e-learning program. See page 202

Blood collection in hamsters

Picazo et al. describe and evaluate a technique for drawing relatively large quantities of blood from the hamster cranial vena cava. They carried out the technique in 25 hamsters that were anesthetized with isoflurane. The technique was effective in both Golden Syrian hamsters and in hamsters from an epileptic strain. All subjects recovered quickly with no obvious signs of pain, stress or severe tissue trauma. Unlike other techniques such as cardiac puncture or retro-orbital vein puncture, this technique can be used for serial blood collection. See page 211