Which type of infectious agent is specifically screened using PRIA testing?

PRIA testing, which stands for the Pathogen Reduction and In Vivo Assessment, is specifically designed to screen for infectious agents in rodents, making it a vital tool in ensuring the health and safety of laboratory animals used in research. This method focuses on detecting and quantifying rodent-specific infectious agents, which can include various viruses, bacteria, and parasites that are known to affect rodent populations.

Rodents are widely used in scientific research, and the presence of these infectious agents can significantly impact experimental outcomes and animal welfare. Therefore, utilizing PRIA testing helps researchers identify potential health risks early on, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken to mitigate these risks and maintain a high standard of animal care.

While bacterial, viral, and fungal agents can also impact laboratory animals, PRIA specifically targets those infectious agents related to rodent health, ensuring that the integrity of research conducted with these animals is upheld.