Scientific and welfare considerations when selecting anaesthetic agents for surgical or prolonged procedures

Selection of a particular anaesthetic agent or anaesthetic technique will depend upon a variety of factors. Some of these will relate directly to the anaesthetic agent and its potential interactions with the research protocol, and others to its ability to produce the required depth of anaesthesia. A further series of factors relate to the practicalities of cost, the availability of equipment and the expertise of personnel in the research unit. These various considerations are discussed in more detail below.