"Registration" - what is it, definition of the term
The act of formally recording an entity—person, organization, or object—in an authorized list, granting it acknowledged status and permitting interaction with regulated systems; it requires submission of identifying information, validation of that data, and the assignment of a unique identifier that serves as a reference for future access, rights, or obligations.
Detailed information
The process of formally recording a rat or mouse in a breeding or research program begins with verifying the animal’s identity. Identification methods include ear tags, subcutaneous microchips, or tattoo markings, each linked to a unique alphanumeric code stored in a central database. The code connects to a digital profile that contains species, strain, sex, birth date, lineage, and health status.
Prior to entry, the animal must meet eligibility criteria defined by the institution’s animal‑use protocol. Criteria typically cover age range, genetic background, and absence of contagious diseases. Documentation of the animal’s source, such as a certified vendor or an in‑house colony, is required to ensure traceability.
Data entry follows a standardized workflow:
- Capture of identification number and physical attributes.
- Assignment of housing location (cage, rack, room).
- Recording of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light cycle).
- Upload of health monitoring results (serology, quarantine clearance).
- Linking of any experimental assignments or breeding plans.
The central repository generates audit trails for each modification, enabling compliance checks with regulatory bodies and institutional review boards. Access controls restrict editing rights to authorized personnel, while read‑only access is granted to researchers and veterinarians.
Periodic verification procedures, such as barcode scans or RFID reads, confirm that the recorded information matches the animal’s physical tag. Discrepancies trigger an immediate review and correction protocol to maintain data integrity.
When an animal is removed from the program—whether through euthanasia, transfer, or disposal—the record is updated to reflect the final status, and the unique identifier is retired to prevent reuse. This ensures that historical data remain accurate for longitudinal studies and for reporting to oversight agencies.