Refinement in laboratory animal science focuses on improving procedures and housing to minimize pain, distress, and suffering in animals used in research.
Refinement improvements in laboratory animal care often have dual benefits: they reduce suffering and improve scientific data quality. Stressed animals show altered physiology that introduces experimental variability and can confound results. Simple refinements such as providing nesting material for mice, handling training to reduce fear responses, and appropriate analgesic protocols post-surgery dramatically improve animal welfare with minimal cost. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees play a critical role in reviewing and requiring refinement measures before approving research protocols.