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The Tick@lab Platform

Researchers may submit their animal experiment applications on the online Tick@lab platform.
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The system will be incorporated with Animal Ordering, Management and Billing in 2024.

To start using Tick@lab, please complete the account registration form.

Please be reminded to *SAVE* your draft application from time to time to avoid data loss.

Introduction to Tick@lab

We have been working on our AEEC forms to better serve the process of ethics application review. We have re-structured the application form and added new questions to clarify and standardize the answers from investigators. We have made these suggestions with these goals in-mind:
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  • Improve the quality of experiments via training and education;
  • Refine experiment plan and procedure descriptions for efficient review;
  • Fulfil AAALAC requirements.
Key changes in the AEEC application include:
  • Removal of forms 1-6
    The forms 1-5 will be replaced by the AUP template, with the option to add ‘study segments’ for multiple experiments. Form 6 will be separated and replaced by the breeding AUP template, where both LASEC and PI’s breeding activities will be monitored. The separation of breeding approval will allow animals to be bred for multiple projects.
  • ​Training checklist
    With the availability of AAALAS library, training will be required for PIs and animal users prior to experimentation. Users will be able to review their training record in AALAS and Tick@lab.
  • ​Literature research, study objective and hypothesis
    ​This section aims to encourage PIs to plan experiments based on scientific grounds with achievable research objectives.
  • Standardize procedures and reference for analgesics and anaesthesia
    ​ We are currently working with the veterinary team to provide standard SOPs for common experimental procedures and reference guide for common analgesics and anaesthesia. Using standardize templates will improve the clarity of the AEEC form and allow our lay members to better understand the projects.
  • ​Amendment form and Annual report form
    ​The forms will provide a record for AEEC for annual activities review. 
Please find the below guide for using tick@lab for applications.

Personnel and Team

Please use CUHK credentials to login Tick@lab.

If you do not have an account, or wish to create a new team, please use this form. 

​All team members will be able to see all applications under the same team.
You may review your User Profile using the Profile Icon on the bottom left corner.

You will see your details including "Default Team." You may contact [email protected] if you wishes to create or change your team.

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You may select personnel from your team or other collaborating teams for your application.

The user who created the application will be default PI. You may change the PI under "Personnel" tab.

Principal investigator = CUHK members with Research Assistant Professor rank or above
Co-Investigator = Research staff/student who will be working on this application form
Research personnel = Personnel (including PI) who will be performing the experiments*
Signers = Prinicpal investigators, Co-investigator and research personnel
A pdf version can be printed for Department Chair signature.

*animal license required

Species/Strain(s)

All species/strain(s) that will be used in the protocol should be selected. You cannot fill the next sections if no strains are selected.

Please refer to the full strain list here.
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*IMPORTANT*
Your animal strain should be available for selection prior completing the subsequent sections.
​If you cannot find your animal strain on the list, please make a request to  [email protected] to add your strain in the Tick@lab database.
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Study Segments

The study segments replaced old form 1-5.

You may create multiple study segments for multiple experiments in your project. Animals in a study segment should receive the same procedures. Multiple strains can be listed in a study segment.

Number of Animals

You may enter your experimental groups here. The N will be automatically calculated and linked to your animal quota upon approval.

Same procedures for multiple strains should be listed under the same segment.

Standardized procedures

As AEEC members often possess diverse backgrounds, the inclusion of lay language also assists non-scientist and scientific members understand material that may not lie within their realm of knowledge.  The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals requires protocols to include “clear and concise descriptions” that non-scientists and unaffiliated members of the AEEC understand.

​The procedures have been summarized in to general categories to allow easier reading. An example of the procedure is provided. You may create your own procedure if it does not fall into the general categories.
Please provide adequate details of the procedures to allow full consideration by the AEEC.

Signing the document

Upon verification of your document by the AEEC secretariat, you will receive a notification from Tick@lab asking your team to sign the document.

​Please click 'here' to access the document for signature.

After all team members have signed the document, the status will automatically change to 'AEEC secretariat'.

For Department Chair' signature, please print the document via 'actions'>'print'>'research pdf' for signature and return the signed form to AEEC office.
why can't I see my draft application?
Please use the filter tab. You may select in "My filter sets">"In progress"
If you have forgotten to add your name in the Principal Investigator list or Co-investigator list, please contact [email protected] or 39430580 so the we can help update your application.
WHEN WILL MY APPLICATION BE APPROVED?
Under normal circumstances, an application shall receive approval within 6-8 weeks. You may track the status of your application on tick@lab. You will also receive a notification when there is a status change on your application. Please response to the reviewers' comments promptly to avoid delays in your application.
I Cannot find my animal strain
The animal strain must be set up in the Tick@lab database prior to strain selection in the application. The animal strain needs to be accurate for it will be linked to animal ordering and cannot be changed easily.
I cannot find my location
Please select "rooms to be assigned" if you will be working in a central managed facility.
For PI laboratories that does not exceed 12 hours of holding and no surgery will be performed, please make a remark on the AEEC form, or inform [email protected] to update the location list.