Bratcher, N. A., Ebert, P. A., Buck, W. et al. 2014. Refinement and efficiency through serial microsampling: Cost:benefit analysis. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 580. (Abstract #P121).

Advances in bioanalytic methods allow for accurate plasma drug level measurement in small sample volumes. Decreased sample volumes enable serial blood sample collection from one rodent, rather than terminal or sparse sampling from multiple rodents. Decreased variability in data from serial microsampling would therefore be expected with a discrete pharmacokinetic profile from individual animals rather than the composite profile generated from multiple animals. While the resulting reduction in animal use was a clear benefit, the technical challenges associated with the shift from terminal or sparse sampling remained an obstacle preventing broad adoption of the refinement. We therefore conducted a cost/benefit analysis to assess internal and external costs, animal use, and potential data output from terminal sampling, sparse sampling, and serial microsampling. While sparse sampling results in decreased external costs, internal animal care costs, and animal use, technician costs are increased and data output is decreased by half. Serial sampling, however, results in decreased external costs, internal animal care costs, animal use, and technician costs with a minimal decrease in data output. In addition to annual reduction of total costs by approximately US$200,000 and reduction of mouse use by 90%, corresponding reduction of compound requirement and other unquantifiable savings, such as compound resynthesis as well as increased efficiencies were considered. Based on these findings, senior management supported broad adoption of serial microsampling as a standard for all mouse pharmacokinetic studies and strategies to overcoming obstacles in adopting this refinement for realized benefit were identified.