"Card" - what is it, definition of the term
The term denotes a compact, usually rectangular piece of material—paper, plastic, or metal—engineered to carry printed, embossed, or electronic data for identification, access control, or information storage; in laboratory settings involving rodents, a small plastic identifier attached to a rat or mouse records species, strain, birth date, and experimental group, providing immediate verification and traceability throughout the study.
Detailed information
Detailed information about the paper‑based identifier used for laboratory rodents focuses on purpose, design, data composition, and handling procedures.
The identifier serves as a permanent reference linking each individual to its biological and experimental history. It is attached to the animal’s cage or micro‑chip housing, ensuring traceability throughout breeding, housing, and testing phases. Materials typically include durable cardstock or laminated polymer to resist moisture and abrasion. Standard dimensions range from 50 mm × 70 mm to 70 mm × 100 mm, allowing sufficient space for printed data and machine‑readable codes.
Key data fields printed on the identifier include:
- Unique alphanumeric code (e.g., “RAT‑00123”)
- Species classification (rat or mouse)
- Strain or genetic background
- Birth date and litter number
- Sex
- Housing location (room, rack, cage number)
- Health status and vaccination record
- Experimental project code
- Barcode or QR code for electronic integration
Manufacturing specifications require high‑contrast printing, resistant ink, and a non‑reflective finish to facilitate optical scanning. Data entry follows a standardized template to avoid transcription errors; electronic databases synchronize with the machine‑readable codes, enabling automated updates of weight, treatment, and outcome metrics. Storage guidelines recommend keeping identifiers in a climate‑controlled environment and inspecting them weekly for wear. Replacement procedures involve reissuing a new identifier with the original code, preserving continuity of the animal’s record.