Animal Clinical Samples for Biomedical Research
Animal clinical samples refer to biological materials obtained from animals. These specimens are typically used in biomedical research for studying diseases, developing treatments, and understanding physiological processes. Clinical samples can include tissues, blood, urine, swabs and other bodily fluids collected from various animal species. They are an integral part of animal research given their wide range of applications.
Value of Animal Clinical Samples
Understanding Disease Mechanisms
Animal clinical samples provide insights into the pathophysiology of diseases that affect both animals and humans. By studying these samples, researchers can identify molecular and cellular changes associated with disease progression, which can lead to a better understanding of similar conditions in humans.
Drug Development
Before new drugs are tested in humans, they must be evaluated for safety and efficacy in animal models. Animal clinical samples allow researchers to assess how a drug affects biological systems and to identify potential side effects. This preclinical testing is crucial for ensuring that only safe and effective therapies proceed to human trials.
Translational Research
Animal models serve as a bridge between basic research and clinical applications. By using animal clinical samples, researchers can translate findings from laboratory studies into potential treatments for human diseases. This process is vital for developing new therapies for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
Biomarker Discovery
Clinical samples from animals can help identify biomarkers that indicate disease presence or progression. These biomarkers can be used for early diagnosis or to monitor treatment responses in both veterinary and human medicine.
Comparative Medicine
Studying diseases in animals allows researchers to explore similarities and differences between species. This comparative approach can reveal unique insights into human health and disease, leading to more effective treatments and preventive measures.
Considerations When Obtaining Animal Clinical Samples
Proper Identification
Proper identification during sample collection of animal clinical samples is a crucial part of the whole process. It ensures that diagnostic outcomes will be accurate, the patient will be in safe hands, and that methods comply with legal and ethical standards. This is achieved through meticulous labeling and documentation, thus improving the overall quality of care for animals.
Ethical Collection
Ethical collection of animal samples for clinical research is imperative not only for the protection of animal welfare but also for ensuring the credibility of scientific research and maintaining public trust in biomedical studies. Ethical principles guide researchers in their responsibilities not only to animals but to the society in general.
Infectious Samples Precautions
It is crucial that infectious-samples precautions are in place for a number of reasons. First is it prevents the transmission of diseases to animals and humans. Second is such precautions ensures integrity and quality. Third is because these measures are crucial part of regulatory compliance. Fourth and last is it facilitates risk mitigation during emergencies.
Quality Control
There are several considerations why quality control is at the heart of animal clinical sample collection, these are for: (1) ensuring accurate diagnostics, (2) maintaining sample integrity, (3) complying with regulatory standards, (4) improving treatment efficacy, (5) allowing cost-effectiveness, (6) ensuring scientific rigor in research, (7) protecting public health, and (8) valuing commitment to animal welfare.
Correct Storage
Correct storage is critical in animal clinical sample collection because it directly affects the integrity and viability of the samples, which are essential for accurate diagnostic testing. Improper storage conditions can lead to degradation of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, resulting in unreliable experimental and diagnostic results.
Secured Transport
Proper packaging and handling prevent leakage or contamination, safeguarding both the samples and personnel involved in transportation. Additionally, secure transport minimizes the risk of exposure to pathogens that may be present in the samples, protecting public health and adhering to regulatory standards.
We at Lab4Paws make sure our animal clinical samples satisfy the above-mentioned criteria.
Applications of Animal Clinical Samples
Cancer Research
- Studying tumor biology
- Evaluating the efficacy of anticancer drugs
- Understanding mechanisms of metastasis
- Developing targeted therapies that can be translated to human cancers
Infectious Disease Studies
- Understanding the transmission dynamics of pathogens
- Developing vaccines
- Studying disease progression and immune responses
Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Assessing pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles of new compounds
- Determining safe dosage levels before human trials begin
Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue engineering and regenerative therapies
- Exploring strategies for repairing damaged tissues in humans
Veterinary Medicine
- Diagnosing diseases
- Evaluating treatment efficacy
- Developing new veterinary medicines
We offer a wide range of animal clinical samples for any of the aforementioned applications.
Available Samples
Serum
- The clear, pale-yellow liquid component of blood that remains after clotting
- Obtained by allowing a blood sample to clot and then centrifuging it to separate the liquid from the solid components, such as blood cells and clotting factors
- Contains proteins, electrolytes, antibodies, hormones, and metabolic waste products
- Valuable for diagnostic tests and biochemical analyses including immunology and disease monitoring.
Plasma
- The liquid component of blood that remains after the removal of blood cells
- constitutes about 55% of total blood volume
- primarily composed of water (up to 95%)
- contains proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products
- functions include transporting nutrients and waste, maintaining blood pressure, and regulating body temperature and pH levels
Swabs
- Biofluid samples collected from various anatomical sites using swabs
- TYPES :
- NASAL SWABS– collected from the nasal passages; used to sample respiratory secretions
- ORAL SWABS– taken from the oral cavity; these swabs collect saliva and mucosal secretions
- SKIN SWABS– taken from skin lesions or areas of infection; to identify bacterial or fungal infections and assess skin conditions
- RECTAL SWABS– collected from the rectal area; gather fecal material and mucosal secretions for detecting gastrointestinal pathogens and monitoring gut health
- VAGINAL SWABS– taken from the vaginal canal in female animals; used for reproductive health assessments, detecting infections, and monitoring estrous cycles
- PROCTOLOGY SWABS– long swabs designed for deeper sampling in the rectal area. Effective for collecting samples from the lower gastrointestinal tract
Urine
- Analysis of urine can reveal information about metabolic diseases, liver function, and hydration status
- Urinalysis includes physical examination (color, clarity), chemical analysis (pH, specific gravity), and microscopic examination (cells, crystals).
- Collection methods
- Spontaneous micturition : animal to urinate naturally
- Manual compression : applying pressure to the bladder to induce urination
- Catheterization : inserting a catheter into the bladder provides a sterile sample
- Cystocentesis : using a needle to extract urine directly from the bladder
Feces
- Provides valuable insights into an animal’s health, particularly regarding gastrointestinal health and the presence of parasites
- Fresh samples are preferred for testing, ideally collected within 24 hours
- samples can be obtained directly from the animal or collected by the veterinarian using specialized tools like fecal loops or gloves
Source: Gunn-Christie (2023)
Tissues
- Normal Healthy Tissues
- Normal Adjacent Tissuess
- Bone marrow
- Lymph nodes
- Diseased tissues
Biofluids & Biospecimens Summary
- Blood
- Serum
- Plasma
- Double-spun plasma
- RBCs
- Buffy coat
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Saliva
- Sputum
- Aspirate
- Synovial fluid
- Urine
- Feces
- Swabs
Included: Patient Metadata, Indication & Treatment
Patient Metadata, Indication & Treatment Information
Importance of Metadata
- Enhances reproducibility
- Facilitates Data Sharing
- Increases Study Integrity
- Supports Ethical Research through 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement)
We are About Speed & Quality
Cells are isolated from sourced samples on demand.
Fresh samples are processed at our facilities and cryopreserved cells are shipped on dry ice or liquid nitrogen worldwide.
We typically ship cells that are in stock within two days.
We ship cells Europe-wide within 24-48 hours, and can ship intercontinentally with dry shipper.
How to Order
References
Gunn-Christie, R.G. (2023). Collection and submission of laboratory samples from animals. MSD Manual Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/clinical-pathology-and-procedures/collection-and-submission-of-laboratory-samples/collection-and-submission-of-laboratory-samples-from-animals
