Main Topics
- Research Resources
- How many National Primate Research Centers are in the U.S.?
- Training
- Research Coordination
- Biomaterials Distribution Service
1. Research Resources
What core services does the SNPRC provide?
The SNPRC provides the following core services:
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2. How many National Primate Research Centers are in the U.S.?
There are eight National Primate Research Centers in the United States. More information is available at: http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/comparative_medicine/resource_directory/primates.asp
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3. Training
Does the SNPRC have an internship program for college students?
The SNPRC is not currently accepting applications for an internship program. The 2012 summer intern program has been cancelled due to financial constraints. Please check back in January 2013.
Does the SNPRC accept volunteers and who would I contact to volunteer?
Yes, the SNPRC does accept student volunteers in some areas of study based on available mentors. An application must be submitted. The directions and forms that are required are listed on the SNPRC webpage under Training Opportunities, Student Volunteer program (http://txbiomed.org/primate-research-center/training-opportunities). The completed packet is submitted to the Research Resources Office either by e-mail, fax or by regular mail. Once the packet is received, potential mentors are contacted for availability. The SNPRC cannot guarantee the availability of a mentor for all of the volunteer times proposed by the student. All student volunteers are subject to a background search.
I will soon be a fourth year veterinary medical student. Does the SNPRC accept veterinary student externs?
Yes, the SNPRC does accept veterinary student externs based on available mentors. These are unpaid positions and an application must be submitted. The directions and forms that are required are listed on the SNPRC webpage under Training Opportunities, Veterinary Student Externship (http://txbiomed.org/primate-research-center/training-opportunities). The completed packet is submitted to the Research Resources office either by e-mail, fax or by regular mail. Once the packet is received, potential mentors are contacted for availability. The SNPRC cannot guarantee the availability of a specific mentor for all of the times proposed by the student. All student externs are subject to a background search.
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4. Research Coordination
How do I start a project at the SNPRC?
Talk to a Research Group leader [email researchresources@txbiomed.org], a veterinarian [veterinaryresources@txbiomed.org], or fill out an online request to use resources [http://txbiomed.org/primate-research-center/contact/snprc-resources-request]. Doing any one of these will lead you to the other steps necessary to propose, submit, and get a project approved to start.
How much will my project cost?
We can provide a budget estimate based on an outline of your study. Costs vary depending on animal purchase or lease, duration, and types and number of procedures.
What is included in the unit cost for procedures?
Procedure scheduling, animal sedation, veterinarian time, technician time, documentation, and supplies.
Do all employees sign a confidentiality agreement (CA)?
No, CAs are signed at the institutional official level and apply to all employees.
Can I request a specific veterinarian?
Yes, if they are available.
Can I save money by performing the procedures myself?
No, generally it will cost the same whether PI’s group or SNPRC perform a procedure. SNPRC must still provide oversight and support to comply with regulatory requirements. Providing these services can require as much effort as procedure performance.
What costs are incurred if an animal is removed from a study before the research is completed?
If study design causes an impact to an animal’s well being, then the PI is obligated to pay for the animal up until it was removed from study.
What will I be charged if I cancel a procedure?
You will only be charged for procedures that are performed. We appreciate as much advance warning as possible before changing or canceling a procedure.
What can I do to assure my study begins in no less than 3 months?
Submit IACUC and get it approved; get contract in place funding the study; talk with veterinarian about how long the current queue is.
Can I purchase animals and have them delivered to the SNPRC?
No, the SNPRC will obtain the animals.
What is included in the GLP surcharge? How does that differ from the charge for Quality Assurance?
Additional documentation and quality control efforts to comply with GLP Regulations are the main reasons for the GLP surcharge. The charge for QA covers the efforts of the QA Manager to audit a study.
How long does it take to get a project started?
The SNPRC has a process through which all requests to use our facilities must pass. When all of the “milestones” have been met, then the project is placed in the queue and begins when space and veterinary help are available to carry out the procedures. This process may take up to 3 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the project and the space requirements.
Do I need to fill out an IACUC credentials form?
Yes, if you are going to work directly with animals. The Credentials Form contains specific questions related to the training of the people who will perform work on animals. It asks for documentation of experience in the procedures.
Why are your indirect costs so high?
Since the Texas Biomedical Research Institute is a private, non-profit organization, it relies on grants from both the Federal and private sectors to support its research, facilities, and daily operations. The indirect cost helps to defray these costs and may vary on an annual basis, depending on the needs of the institution.
Why is per diem charged to hold animals for future use?
Our animals are assigned to projects as needed when they meet the requirements. Once assigned, they are not available for use to other investigators until the project is completed. If an investigator wants specific animals, the only way to ensure their availability is to assume the daily costs of maintaining the animal. Otherwise, it will return to the pool of “available” animals.
When is it necessary to submit an online research request rather than just an IACUC application or amendment?
The online request to use resources must be approved before the IACUC application is submitted. For an IACUC amendment, a revision to the online request is required if the amendment is requesting additional animals or making significant changes to the scope of the project.
What is the correct sequence of events for submitting the various applications (VS request, IACUC protocol, etc.)? What do I need to do first?
The online research request comes first. Budgets for grant applications are not generated until the online request is approved by the species Advisory Committee. IACUC applications also are not accepted until the online request is approved.
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5. Biomaterials Distribution Service
Am I committed to purchasing the tissue by filling out the tissue request form (http://txbiomed.org/primate-research-center/contact/animal-purchase-request)?
No. It allows us to determine a budget estimate and to track information regarding the request for NIH reports. We require a formal signed purchase order before collecting the tissues and you would be invoiced after receiving the materials.
May I pay for the order with a credit card?
At this time, we cannot accept credit card payments.
If I request tissues from healthy animals, does that mean that the tissue is safe?
No, it means that we are unaware of any pathogens in the tissue, but you should use universal precautions when working with any primate tissues.
Can my company resell any blood or tissues that we receive from SNPRC?
No, when you fill out the tissue request form, you promise not to resell any tissues that you received from us.
How do you ship the tissues?
We use the requestor’s account numbers for Fed-Ex, priority overnight; World Courier for temperature sensitive international shipments.
What is included in the shipping costs?
Shipping of infectious substances (and other biological materials) is heavily regulated by IATA and DOT as a hazardous class (6.2). The costs include the cost for trained shipping personnel. All personnel involved with the shipment must be certified according to DOT/IATA and must maintain that certification biannually. Shipments must be sent in tested packaging systems that are expensive to replace. Failure to comply with the exact regulations in personnel training, labeling, packaging and documentation can result in stiff penalties and civil liability. The SNPRC technicians preparing the shipments are “certified biohazard shippers” according to DOT/IATA regulations as are the boxes and packaging systems.
What is the difference between Priority overnight and standard overnight?
Priority Overnight is delivered by 10:30am next business day. Standard overnight is delivered by 3:30pm next business day.
Does the Institute use Fed-Ex on overseas shipments?
Yes, but only if the shipment is ambient. If the shipment is dry ice, at this time, we require that you use World Courier since overseas shipments get delayed in customs and World Courier will add dry ice to the package as needed, whereas Fed-Ex does not.
Will you ship a package out on a Friday? '
Normally not, but if the customer wants the package on Monday morning, then by shipping a package priority overnight on a Friday, it will be delivered the next business day, which would be that Monday by 10:30am. However, we do not recommend shipping tissues on Fridays.
What if I want a package delivered on a Saturday?
Fed-Ex has a ‘Saturday” delivery, (depending on the city), then you have to keep in mind that the location of shipment has to be open to receive the package, or it will be held for delivery on that Monday.
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