QTest Labs is a contract research organization focused on cardiovascular safety pharmacology. We utilize a variety of research models ranging from rodents to farm animals (sheep, pigs, cows) both with and without heart disease. Additionally, we provide implanted animals for a variety of research facilities around the US and consultation with a large number of pharmaceutical companies.
QTest Labs has four full-time veterinarians functioning as both lab animal veterinarians as well as study directors. Additionally, we utilize the expertise of a boarded veterinary cardiologist, veterinary anesthetist/pain management specialists, as well as criticalist. We have 2 dedicated large animal operating rooms and 3 small animal laboratory spaces. We have fluoroscopic and ultrasound capabilities as well as a wide range of anesthetic and surgical skills at our disposal. Additionally, we have telemetry systems that allow data collection in freely moving animals.
Standard operating hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. There are occasional dates in which we will be staying late to recover animals post-surgically or to finish a data collection timepoint. Students are expected to participate in these activities whenever possible.
QTest Labs has a relaxed environment and students are allowed to wear jeans/shorts/t-shirts to the facility. Upon arrival, facility scrubs are available for students to wear.
On the last day of the externship, students are expected to give a short (20-30 minutes) presentation about an assigned topic to the research staff and veterinarians. Topics will be associated with the practice of laboratory animal medicine, laboratory facility management, or a cardiovascular topic.