Sterile animal housing

Sterile Animal Housing

Ivc System

Individually ventilated cages (IVC) are designed to house breeding colonies or groups of rodents for laboratory use. compared to standard animal housing, it has the following advantages: it is safe, practical to use, the cages are more visible, and the housing is flexible.

The cages are designed to meet a high standard of isolation, together with an improved air quality. IVC provides the best possible micro-environment for each animal. The IVC system has an air-handling unit that is fitted with a microprocessor-controlled touch screen, which controls the speed of both the supply and the exhaust blowers, while displaying the temperature and the relative humidity as well.

The cages have two changeable filter systems; the outlet set higher than the inlet for thermal “pumping” of air. The filter medium can be supplied in various pore sizes. The standard filter is 50 micrometer non-woven polyester.

The lid to the base fit is secured by a rack, which makes clips unnecessary, and creates a seal that is a reliable barrier for the ingress of pathogens. The feed grid can be accessed without removing the cage lid, making the feeding process and supplying water easier. External water bottles are included in every cage. Each cage can be removed from the rack by simply sliding the box forward. The plenum has a flap seal to close off the vacated location.

IVC boxes

The boxes are resistant to acid and corrosion moreover, made from polysulphonate which is appropriate for high temperature sterilization.

The sterilization methods of a cage box are the following: a high-pressure steam sterilization and chemical sterilization, according to the characteristics of plastic materials, should be used. For the life extension of the transparent cage box, the pressure steam sterilization method is recommended at 121 ℃, for 30 min.

For further information and quotation please contact us!

Instruments of the Laboratory Dealing with Animals and the Software

Startle Reflex Package

The instrument on the picture is like our stater Acoustic Startle Package (MED-ASR-PRO). The only difference is that the starter package is in the bottom rack mount chassis. The picture illustrates an ANL-925 Audio Generator with four ANL-925B Acoustic Chamber Interface Modules. A starter package contains only one ANL-925B module.

Several new and improved features focuses on the latest Startle Reflex packages from MED Associates Inc. New is the Pro series of pre-pulse inhibition (PPI ) and fear potentiated startle (FPS) software. These user-friendly applications were designed by Dr. William Falls at University of Vermont. Another software and hardware package as part of the first test station is the MED-ASR-SPL Sound Pressure Level Measurement Package for exact stimuli calibration at those intensity levels that cannot be covered with hand-held sound-level meters. This is especially critical when working with mice. Moreover, the new test station includes components used for standardizing the position of the stimulus speaker and animal platform while providing a balanced stimulus output at the same time.

Modular Operant Test Chamber with Modified Top

This unit is preferred for studies on rodents where the drug is self-administered. The working height has been reduced 21 cm to create enough space to insert/add a drug delivery swivel and a counter balance arm if the unit is placed in a sound attenuating cubicle.

The top has been modified by cutting a hole with a diameter of 5.1 cm into the center with a 6.4 mm access slot cut from the hole to the front edge. This enables the user to place an animal into the test chamber with a drug delivery leash or other harness attached to it. All other features of this chamber are the same as those of the ENV-007 Modular Test Chamber.

Automated analysis system for behavioral studies on rats and mice

 

The system easily automates most tests, based on the locomotive activity of the animal:

  • Open field in standard lighting or infrared
  • Radial Mazes
  • Elevated Plus Maze
  • Stairs
  • Place Preference
  • E water Maze
  • Multiple T Maze
  • Black on White box
  • Water mazes (MORRIS water maze)

With the use of near-infrared sensitive cameras, you might consider applying Chronobiology or Actimetry in conditions of light and pseudo-darkness over long periods of time.

Open-Field Activity

 

You can select from two standard field sizes; or contact us for custom-made units.

Additional test stations are easily attached to the network and to the power supply.

Standard data elements include times, resting, ambulatory, rearing and travelled/moved distance.

Measurements may be tested continuously or in small samples repeated at a preset interval.

All components are available individually to meet custom applications.

Stereotaxic Instrument

The stereotaxic instrument, used on small animals, is derived from the M medical device series. For a higher accessibility to the operating area, the device is equipped with a vertical axis for complete rotation.

Extended bars and forks can be added to operate on the spinal cord.

The incisor bar can be moved to facilitate the use of a non-standard Atlas. Therefore, the system is elevated to provide greater accessibility when placing the animal onto the table.

Other units we also include in the portfolio:

  • Startle system
  • Passive/Active Avoidance
  • Rotometer system
  • Rotor-Rod
  • Freeze Monitor
  • Holeboard learning /memory system
  • Monitor
  • Place Preference testing
  • Modular maze system
  • Syringe pumps
  • Restrainers
  • Precision food pellets
  • Tail Flick
  • Plantar test

For further details and information please contact us or visit the Sandown Scientific’s webpage.