Searching the Literature for Animal Testing Alternatives

Steps in the Research Process

Define the Question

Construct the Query

Select & Search Databases

Evaluate Your Search

Manage Your Results

Report Your Results

It may be useful to first determine what keywords specific to your research protocol are necessary, and then to add keywords for the reduction, refinement, or replacement of animal research subjects (the "Three R's"). In developing your list of protocol-specific keywords, it will be helpful to consider the following:

• Scientific and common names of any species being studied
• Scientific and common names of any diseases or conditions being studied
• Generic name, trade names, and CAS RN of drugs and/or chemicals being used
• Treatments being used
• Scientific and common terms for tissues, systems, or cell lines being studied

There are many options for keywords in the "3R's". The Health Sciences Library has compiled a list of suggested keywords for you. In addition, you may wish to use our Sample MeSH Keywords and Searches when constructing a PubMed MEDLINE search and the National Agricultural Library's Thesaurus for Animal Use Alternatives when searching AGRICOLA.