What is a laboratory with mice called? - briefly
A laboratory that houses mice is called a «vivarium», often specified as a rodent or mouse facility. Such units provide controlled environments for breeding, housing, and experimental use of rodents.
What is a laboratory with mice called? - in detail
The research environment designed specifically for housing and breeding mice is commonly referred to as a «rodent vivarium». In many institutions the term «animal research facility» is also applied, with a dedicated mouse colony area. These designations emphasize the focus on small‑rodent subjects rather than general laboratory space.
Key characteristics of a mouse vivarium include:
- Controlled temperature (typically 20‑26 °C) and humidity (30‑70 %) to maintain animal welfare.
- Adjustable light cycles, often 12 hours light/12 hours dark, regulated by programmable lighting systems.
- HEPA‑filtered air supply and exhaust to prevent pathogen entry and ensure biosecurity.
- Individually ventilated cages (IVCs) or conventional cages equipped with bedding, nesting material, and enrichment devices.
- Monitoring systems for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and ammonia levels, with alarms for out‑of‑range readings.
- Access control through key cards, badge readers, or biometric locks to restrict entry to authorized personnel.
Regulatory frameworks governing such facilities vary by country but generally require compliance with:
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or equivalent ethical review boards.
- National animal welfare legislation, such as the United States Animal Welfare Act or the European Union Directive 2010/63/EU.
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards for studies that support regulatory submissions.
Operational practices typical of a mouse‑focused laboratory include:
- Routine health monitoring programs, employing sentinel animals and microbiological testing to detect viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents.
- Detailed breeding records, covering genotype, lineage, and reproductive performance.
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cage cleaning, animal handling, and euthanasia, ensuring reproducibility and humane treatment.
- Training programs for technicians and researchers, covering aseptic techniques, restraint methods, and emergency response.
The physical layout often separates distinct zones:
- Quarantine area – isolates newly received animals until health status is confirmed.
- Breeding zone – houses breeding pairs and litters, equipped with breeding cages and observation stations.
- Experimental zone – contains cages used for ongoing studies, with provisions for specialized equipment such as metabolic cages or behavioral testing arenas.
- Support services – includes animal rooms, veterinary clinic, autoclave, and waste disposal facilities.
Overall, the term «rodent vivarium» accurately captures the specialized nature of a laboratory dedicated to mouse research, encompassing environmental control, regulatory compliance, and operational protocols necessary for high‑quality scientific outcomes.