"Laboratory" - what is it, definition of the term
A purpose‑built research facility is a controlled environment designed for the execution of scientific experiments; it provides regulated temperature, humidity, and lighting, along with specialized equipment for sterilization, imaging, and data collection, enabling precise manipulation and observation of biological specimens such as rats and mice.
Detailed information
A research facility designed for small‑rodent experimentation must provide controlled environmental conditions, precise ventilation, and isolation capabilities. Temperature typically ranges from 20 °C to 26 °C, humidity from 30 % to 70 %, and light cycles follow a 12‑hour light/12‑hour dark schedule. These parameters reduce physiological stress and ensure reproducibility of results.
Housing units consist of individually ventilated cages (IVCs) equipped with stainless‑steel bars, removable lids, and bedding that meets absorbency standards. IVCs prevent cross‑contamination while allowing continuous airflow filtered through high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Cage enrichment, such as nesting material and chew blocks, supports natural behaviors without compromising experimental integrity.
Instrumentation includes:
- Automated watering and feeding systems calibrated for the metabolic rates of rats and mice.
- In‑cage sensors that record temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels in real time.
- Video monitoring arrays for behavioral analysis, integrated with software that timestamps events and detects locomotor patterns.
- Surgical suites with stereotaxic frames, microinjection pumps, and anesthesia delivery units complying with ISO 14644‑1 cleanroom classifications.
Biosafety protocols require personnel to wear disposable gowns, gloves, and N95 respirators when handling infectious agents. Waste is autoclaved before disposal, and all surfaces undergo daily decontamination with 70 % ethanol or quaternary ammonium compounds. Access to the facility is restricted through badge‑controlled doors and log‑book entries.
Ethical oversight is administered by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that reviews protocols for humane endpoints, analgesia regimens, and justification of animal numbers. Documentation includes daily health checks, weight measurements, and any adverse events, all entered into a centralized electronic record system.
Data collection workflows integrate physiological monitoring (e.g., telemetry for heart rate and blood pressure), biochemical sampling (blood, urine, tissue biopsies), and genomic analyses. Samples are labeled with barcodes linked to the animal’s unique identifier, ensuring traceability from collection through storage at –80 °C freezers.
Maintenance schedules mandate quarterly calibration of airflow meters, annual validation of sterilization cycles, and routine inspection of cage racks for structural integrity. Any deviation from established parameters triggers an immediate corrective action plan, documented in the facility’s quality‑management system.
Overall, a well‑equipped experimental unit for rodent research combines stringent environmental control, advanced instrumentation, robust biosafety measures, and rigorous ethical governance to produce reliable, reproducible scientific outcomes.