"Record" - what is it, definition of the term
A log in rodent research is a systematic collection of observations, measurements, and experimental conditions stored for later reference, typically arranged in rows and columns or chronological entries; it captures data such as species, strain, age, housing parameters, behavioral scores, physiological readings, and treatment details, enabling reproducibility, statistical analysis, and regulatory compliance.
Detailed information
Detailed information about the term commonly used for a single data entry, especially in the context of rodents such as rats and mice, includes several key aspects.
The basic unit stores attributes that uniquely identify an individual animal. Typical fields comprise identification number, strain, sex, birth date, and source laboratory. Additional columns record genotype, phenotypic observations, and experimental interventions. Standardized formats, such as ISO‑8601 for dates and controlled vocabularies for strains, ensure consistency across databases.
When used in laboratory settings, the entry forms part of a larger collection that tracks the lifecycle of each subject. Elements of this collection include:
- Acquisition details – supplier name, shipment date, and quarantine status.
- Housing information – cage identifier, bedding type, and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light cycle).
- Health monitoring – results of pathogen screening, veterinary interventions, and welfare assessments.
- Experimental data – dosing regimen, behavioral test outcomes, and endpoint measurements.
- Disposition – date of euthanasia or transfer, method used, and final tissue collection.
Integrity of the documentation relies on audit trails. Each modification records the user, timestamp, and reason for change. Automated validation checks flag missing or out‑of‑range values before the entry is accepted into the system.
Interoperability with external repositories requires export in recognized formats such as CSV, JSON, or XML. Metadata describing the schema, version, and licensing accompany the export, facilitating reuse by other research groups.
Security measures protect sensitive information. Access controls restrict editing rights to authorized personnel, while read‑only permissions allow broader dissemination of non‑confidential data. Regular backups and encryption guard against loss and unauthorized disclosure.
Overall, the single data unit serves as a foundational element for reproducible research, enabling traceability of every animal from birth through study completion.