IACUC searching for alternatives: Step 2: Search Terms

Once you've decided where to search, think about the main topics or concepts of your protocol for search terms.   Here are some common search terms to consider using:

• species

• organ systems 

• specific condition, disease, hormones, treatment...

• reduction, refinement, replacement. In general, the word alternative won't return useful information because it is out of context.  These words are more effective.  

• synonyms for each term, for example

  • monitor or evaluate or supervise

  • technique or method or procedure (or synonyms for specific techniques)

  • housing or facility or caging

  • equine or horse or Equus ferus caballus

To see a list of keywords provided by the National Agricultural Library, please visit their guide to searching the literature for alternatives.  The list is available in an expandable menu in Step 3.

Next, you'll search using these terms.  Web of Science, CAB Abstracts and PubMed are all recommended.  You can find tips on searching each database next.