Project Objectives

• Develop an improved, pigmented mouse tail model to practice i.v. injections.
• Manufacture additional mouse tail model test‑kits.
• Prototype and refine a rat tail model.
• Collect survey data to assess usability and 3Rs impact.
• Advertise model availability on professional platforms.
• Evaluate model longevity through follow‑up assessments.
• Disseminate findings via conferences and open‑access publication.

How This Advances 3Rs Implementation

• Provides an alternative for early‑stage skill acquisition.
• Enhances training quality and animal welfare outcomes.
• Creates scalable educational tools for international adoption.
• Generates evidence‑based support for refinement initiatives.
• Strengthens 3Rs visibility through proactive outreach.

Background

Intravenous (i.v.) injections are widely used in rodent research to administer compounds, drugs, and experimental treatments. Despite their routine nature, these injections are technically demanding due to the small size of the tail veins, the need for tactile sensitivity, and the narrow margin for corrective movements. As a result, trainees often require repeated practice on live animals before achieving proficiency, which raises important animal welfare considerations.

To address this, the research team collaborated with engineers to develop a realistic, unpigmented 3D‑printed mouse tail model, enabling trainees to practice the fundamental steps of i.v. injections without using live animals. Feedback gathered from early adopters has been overwhelmingly positive, while identifying needs such as a pigmented BL/6‑like mouse tail and a rat version. The project now aims to enhance realism, expand distribution, and develop a rat prototype supported by user feedback.