LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II ...
LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II ...
LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II ...
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8 <strong>LABORATORY</strong> <strong>ANIMAL</strong> <strong>MEDICINE</strong> <strong>AND</strong> <strong>SCIENCE</strong> - <strong>SERIES</strong> <strong>II</strong>14. “Micro-barrier” cages15. IsolatorsThe principle of the filter cover has been improvedupon with the manufacture of a special “micro-barrier”small cage that provides a pathogen-free internalenvironment. The plastic top is fitted with a filter insert,a removable feeder/water bottle rack is installed as aninside lid, and the top and bottom halves of the cage fittightly together to provide a sealed environment. Tomaximize the protection afforded by these cages:_ caging, food, water, and bedding should beautoclaved,_ gloves or tongs used to handle animals and theoutside of the cage should be disinfected each timethe cage is opened, and_ cages must be opened in a disinfected laminar air flow hood.This image shows three types of isolators: rigid,flexible, and room-sized. Isolators can be used in bothbarrier and nonbarrier facilities to house eithergermfree animals or to maintain SPF or VAF animals.Traditional isolators can be relatively small, housingapproximately 9 rodent cages, or up to the size of aroom containing 100 or more cages. Incoming air isHEPA-filtered, and high air flow rates are required toprevent entry of contaminants should a small leakoccur in the glovebox. Animals are introduced into theisolator through chemical immersion tanks or insterilized cages, and all other materials must be eithergas sterilized or autoclaved prior to introduction.16. Section title BEDDING, FOOD and WATEROther materials in the animals' housing environment also play a critical role in ensuring theirhealth and well-being.