NCTR computer systems designed for toxicological experimentation. II. Experiment start-up system

The Experiment Start-Up System (ESS) developed and implemented at the National Center for Toxicological Research constructs models from information contained in experimental protocols. These models may then be used to project resource requirements and related schedules. Each experimental model provides information from which management can determine the raw resources such as quantity of food, water, bedding, cages, animals (sex, strain, species), chemical, facilities, and manpower needed for conducting the experiment. Based upon this information, management can determine if the required resources are available and determine the most feasible "start" date for the new experiment. In addition, the information provided by the experimental model assures the Principal Investigator that the protocol requirements are thoroughly understood by participating technical support groups and that quality control elements of the ESS and other integrated systems will provide a means for accurately monitoring the experiment.