Table 2 Additional set of knowledge, skills and competencies for NMTs and radiographers working in preclinical imaging laboratory

K1. Understand the importance of animal imaging in the pathway of drug discovery

S1. Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team in the implementation of animal scans in the context of drug development and research

C1. Take responsibility for the implementation and optimisation of animal imaging

K2. Know the legal and ethical ordinances that apply to the process of animal experimentation

K2. Follow the legal and ethical framework that are necessary for animal project licenses

C2. Critically review all processes of animal experimentation, taking into account the actual scientific, legal and ethical standards

K3. Possess knowledge on the biology and physiology of animal models

S3. Perform different radiopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical and contrast media administration routes on animal models

C3. Optimise imaging procedures taking into account the specific features of the animal model and administration route

K4. Understand the biological mechanisms underlying the process of animal anaesthesia

S4. Perform animal anaesthesia following the current evidence based guidelines

C4. Take accountability for the use of anaesthesia and report all such acts accordingly

K5. Know the underlying genetic principles on the breeding process

S5. Respect the current guidelines on the handling of both native and genetically modified animals

C5. Keep updated records on the handling and breeding of animal models

K6. Have knowledge on hygiene and microbiologic standardisation of experimental animal models

S6. Follow the current guidelines and local rules that apply to hygiene behaviour

C6. Take responsibility and keep records on the hygiene status of the laboratory

K7. General influence of environment factors on animal models and the subsequent imaging pattern

S7. Monitor the animal models before, during and after the imaging procedure

C7. Take responsibility and keep records on the possible factors that might affect imaging and the animal well-being

K8. Know the factors that affect animal welfare

S8. Follow and comply with the national law and international guidelines that apply to animal care and welfare

C8. Take full legal and professional responsibility for the condition of animal care and welfare on your laboratory

K9. Understand the principles of preclinical experimental design (3Rs) and reporting

S9. Comply with the most up-to-date guidelines and use the available tools for good experimental design and reporting

S9. Take accountability for transparency and good animal reporting