What are four elements that a security program should protect in a laboratory animal facility?

The four elements that a security program should protect in a laboratory animal facility are personnel, animals, the research, and the institution. This choice accurately reflects the critical components that ensure the integrity and safety of the facility.

Protecting personnel is essential as they represent the workforce involved in animal care and research, and their safety is paramount for a functional environment. Animals are at the heart of the facility; their welfare is a primary concern that aligns with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. The research aspect needs protection to maintain scientific integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations; any breach could compromise the validity of study results and the reputation of the institution. The institution itself must be safeguarded since it bears the responsibility for compliance with laws and regulations governing animal research, as well as for public trust and funding.

This comprehensive view underscores the significance of a holistic approach to security, which not only focuses on physical assets but also on the well-being of individuals involved and the integrity of the research being conducted. Other options do not encompass all the critical elements relevant to security within a laboratory animal facility, either omitting essential aspects or including less relevant components.