Gurney, L. 2019. In-vivo imaging at NIBSC and how we use it to promote the 3Rs. Animal Technology and Welfare 18(2), 143-144. (IAT Congress 2018 Poster Presentation)

In-vivo imaging is a revolutionary technology offering a powerful tool for constructing studies involving mice. In the Biological Services Department (BSD) at NIBSC, the IVIS® Spectrum In Vivo System model is used to perform our studies. Imaging has a wide range of capabilities, at NIBSC we have used IVIS for tracking viral vectors and antibodies and tumour growth monitoring. The aims of the project were to replace the animals where possible, reduce the numbers when needed and refine the impact on the animals. These non-invasive technologies allow us to use smaller group sizes of animals, as there is no need to cull at set points to observe hidden tumour growth. Imaging has allowed us to refine endpoints. This was evident in a lung tumour model which developed in an unexpected location. Thanks to IVIS we could intervene before it became a welfare issue. The studies have allowed us to gain further knowledge on effectively identifying the mice, minimising stress and reducing negative effects on the mice. In conclusion, using imaging technologies has created a great tool for both the scientist and the Animal Technologist. The technology provides the scientist with valuable data which is more sensitive and robust, and Animal Technologists are enabled to monitor disease development non-invasively. The data allows for effective health and welfare assessment, pinpointing the location and the strength of signal.