Post on 15-Nov-2020
PREPARING FOR THE ASSISTANT LABORATORY ANIMAL TECHNICIAN (ALAT) CERTIFICATION EXAM
Chapters five and six of the ALAT Training Manual/ALL • Facility Equipment & Caging Systems
Chapter Five
Facility Equipment
Cage Washers Use a combination of water and
cage cleaning chemistries to sanitize cages, racks and accessories Typical flow is dirty side to cage
washer to clean side
Cage Washers
Cage Washers
Programmable cycles consisting of prewash, wash, rinse and final 180ºF (____ºC) rinse
Cage Washers
Programmable cycles consisting of prewash, wash, rinse and final 180ºF (82.2ºC) rinse
Tunnel Washers Process soiled small equipment
and accessories, including cages, wire-bar lids, lids, bottles, sipper tubes
Rack Washers Designed primarily for larger
equipment, such as bulk carts, cage racks and large animal cage banks
Cabinet Washers
Similar to household dishwashers. The technician loads the equipment onto a wash rack, pushes the rack into the machine, closes the door and sets the wash conditions.
Cage Washer Safety
Red emergency stop buttons on all washers and autoclaves
Cage Washer Safety Door release mechanism within the
washing chamber
Cage Washer Safety Door closure latches to prevent
entry during the cycle, windows in the entry and exit doors and washer malfunction alarm systems
Pressure Washers
Spray water at very high pressure They are generally used in cage
wash applications and in facilities that house large animals in runs Animals should never be in a cage or run which is being sprayed Can remove paint from walls, injure user and injure animals
Decontamination Misters & Foggers Spray disinfectants and sterilants
as a fine mist. This equipment can be used to remove harmful microorganisms in rooms instead of manually washing and scrubbing the surfaces
Foamers May be hand-held devices or electric
machines and are commonly used to clean hallways, wash rooms, and rooms in facilities housing large animals The mixture of water and disinfectant is aerated into foam as it passes through a series of screens
Watering Systems
Automatic watering systems are often used to provide clean drinking water for laboratory animals. These systems save labor by eliminating some of the manipulations associated with cleaning, disinfecting and handling water bottles. They also help to eliminate the ergonomic injuries from constant handling of water bottles.
Automatic Watering System
Plastic or stainless steel pipes and valves that move water from the source to the animal areas
Automatic Watering System
Pressure reducing station
Automatic Watering System
Retractable recoil hoses
Automatic Watering System
Manifold system on the cage rack
Automatic Watering System
Connected to the manifold at each cage position are drinking valves
Automatic Watering System
It is important to remember that newly weaned mouse pups often cannot activate a water valve and should be placed in cages with a gel hydration pack or water bottle for at least a week after weaning.
Automatic Watering System
The filtering system removes particulate matter from the water supply before it reaches the animal cages.
Automatic Watering System
Automatic watering systems must be checked daily and maintained regularly. If they are not: Water lines can become clogged The drinking valves can become clogged
or Remain in the open position Microorganisms can accumulate in the
tubing
Automatic Watering System
Reducing Risks of Contamination To reduce the risk of
contamination, the animal’s drinking water is often treated with an acid, chlorine, reverse osmosis (RO), or ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Automatic Watering System
Feeding Equipment
Change Stations or Laminar Flow Cabinets These units should not be
used with hazardous agents, anesthetic agents, or caustic chemicals. The cabinet protects the animals by blowing HEPA-filtered air through the back wall
Cage Dumping Stations
Fume Hoods
A fume hood is a workstation cabinet that protects the user from chemical fumes.
Biological Safety Cabinets
(BSCs) Are specially designed work cabinets that have a duct at the top through which air is exhausted. An animal facility that uses infectious agents must have BSCs to protect personnel from exposure to these harmful microorganisms.
HEPA
High Efficiency Particulate Air filter that removes a minimum of _____% of contaminants that are 0.3 micrometers or larger in size
HEPA
High Efficiency Particulate Air filter that removes a minimum of 99.97% of contaminants that are 0.3 micrometers or larger in size Annual Certification
Class I BSCs
Often used to enclose equipment that has the potential of generating aerosols or dust and for such activities as changing small animal cages.
Class II BSCs Draw air into the cabinet and filter
it; cabinet air is also filtered before it is recirculated or exhausted. Type A1, Type A2, Type B1, and Type B2
Class III BSCs (___________)
Class III BSCs (Glove Boxes)
Airtight cabinets designed to be used with high-risk biological agents.
Autoclaves Most autoclaves use high-
temperature steam under pressure to kill microorganisms in liquids or solid materials. Used to sterilize the equipment needed for Aseptic surgical procedures, animal housing,
feed, water and bedding.
They are also used to decontaminate biohazardous wastes
Autoclaves Compared to other sterilization
methods, autoclaving is fast, reliable and relatively inexpensive. Additionally, autoclaving avoids the use of toxic chemicals.
Autoclaves Steam and high pressure combine
to create superheated steam in excess of ___ºF (100ºC)
Autoclaves Steam and high pressure combine
to create superheated steam in excess of 212ºF (100ºC) Minimum times for a cycle are usually 15
minutes at ___ºC (250ºF) at 15 psi
Autoclaves Steam and high pressure combine
to create superheated steam in excess of 212ºF (100ºC) Minimum times for a cycle are usually 15
minutes at 121ºC (250ºF) at 15 psi Flash cycles of 5 minutes at 132.2ºC
(270ºF)
Superheated steam penetrates wrapped items Need to wear heat resistant gloves
Chemical Indicators
Autoclave tape Integrator strips Plastic indicator bags
Biological Indicators Spore strips, are the most
accepted means of making sure that the sterilization process took place. We use spore ampoules
Vacuums
HEPA filtered to prevent the spread of dust and allergens when in use Commonly used to clean hoods and similar
equipment
Tissue Digester
Similar to very large pressure cookers. These units are a safe, efficient, and cost-effective way to dispose of carcasses and tissues Remaining slurry or thick liquid can be
safely disposed of through the sewer system
Incinerators Large ovens that burn tissues,
trash, and other materials to ash. Incineration kills infectious organisms and so is suitable for the disposal of biohazardous waste Ashes removed from the incinerator are
disposed of as normal trash or taken directly to a landfill. The use of incinerators is highly regulated
in most states and localities.
Scales & Balances
Scales and balances come in various forms and sizes, from small table-top units to large walk-on units. Most scales provide digital
readings. Another type of scale, called a balance,
uses a weighing platform and a sliding beam to determine a weight.
Scales & Balances
Inspected and calibrated ________
Scales & Balances
Inspected and calibrated annually
Chapter Six
Caging Systems
Animal Housing
Primary enclosure refers to the cages in which the animal is enclosed for housing Caging and housing = primary enclosure
Cages must be escape proof and well ventilated Free of cracks and crevices with smooth
surfaces and no rust
Animal Housing
Cages should allow visual inspection of animals and permit safe handling Specialized caging such as
transport boxes and transfer cages are used to move animals
Types of Cages
Most popular caging system used for rodents consists of ventilated racks that hold microisolation cages. Rodent microisolation cages may also be placed on racks of metal shelves, either stationary or on wheels
Environmental Enrichment Cages sometimes include objects
and materials for enriching the environment of laboratory animals. Environmental enrichment can: reduce boredom through mental
stimulation, provide a sense of security with hiding
places, offer an opportunity for exercise, or permit social interaction among cage
mates
Environmental Enrichment
Nesting material Toys Perches Swings Resting boards Foraging devices
containing food treats
The Animal Welfare Act and Regulations mandate that dogs be given the opportunity to exercise and that nonhuman primates be provided a psychological enrichment program
Plastic Caging Materials
Polysulfone most common plastic used for rodent
caging and fish tanks
Polycarbonate Impact- and temperature-resistant plastic
used to make many rodent cages and small aquatic tanks
Plastic Caging Materials
Polystyrene non-durable plastic generally used for
disposable, single-use caging applications
Polyphenylsulfone used frequently to make caging that is
used for work with high-risk infectious agents. This type of plastic is more resistant than polysulfone to extreme autoclave temperatures
Plastic Caging Materials
Polyethylene (PET) Used for single-use, disposable caging
Polypropylene Sometimes used for suspended rodent
cages, aquatic tanks and rabbit cages.
Metal Caging Material Stainless steel Most commonly used metal in laboratory
animal caging. It is more expensive than aluminum but is preferred because it does not visibly rust or corrode.
Galvanized metal was used in older generations of caging and may still be found in some facilities. This type of caging is not generally used today because of problems with rust and corrosion
Caging Systems The size of a primary
enclosure depends upon many factors, including experimental requirements and animal-related characteristics such as: body weight, height or length, exercise requirements
and enrichment needs
The Guide and the standards of the Animal Welfare Regulations detail minimum cage sizes and characteristics. An animal must have
at least enough space to stand up, turn around, lie down and make other normal postural adjustments.
Shoebox Caging Rectangular box that is used for
smaller species such as rodents. A wire lid fits or hooks tightly onto
the cage to prevent the animals from escaping
Microisolation Cages Creates a barrier or containment
system at the cage level, preventing an exchange of microorganisms between the cage and the environment.
Individually Ventilated Cages (IVCs)
Each cage becomes a controlled environment for the flow rates and filtration of incoming and outgoing air If the ventilation fails on a sealed
cage, carbon dioxide levels can rise inside the cages
Biocontainment Cages Provides complete separation of
animals from the external environment Operates under special conditions
that prevent the escape of harmful pathogens or dangerous substances to the outside environment Cage clamps to prevent accidental
opening of a cage
Disposable Caging
Can be used when cage washing facilities are limited May also be used for studies
involving radioactivity or biohazards
Suspended Cage Systems
A rabbit cage typically has a hinged front panel that opens like a door
Dirty cages are typically
left on the rack and the cage rack is wheeled to cage wash
Suspended Cage Systems
The suspended cages slide forward on the runners, opening much like a drawer. They close simply by sliding them back under the shelf
Suspended Cage Flooring
Floors may have openings (wire mesh or perforations) or may have solid bottoms. The Guide does not recommend
wire-bottom caging for rodents because of the potential for foot injuries
Large Animal Caging
Primates, dogs, cats, swine and other large animals are housed in caging systems designed for that particular species based on body size space requirements configuration required number of animals housed together
Modular Cages Stacked caging is similar to
suspended caging, except the cages are fixed in the rack instead of being suspended on runners
Modular Cages
These kinds of cages are used for: rabbits (in addition to suspended cages) cats dogs ferrets nonhuman primates
Cat housing must provide a raised resting platform and a clean litter pan with fresh litter daily
Group Caging Multiple animals of the same
species When animals are group caged: feed and water are often offered in more
than one location in order to avoid feed hoarding by dominant animals
Cats, rabbits, nonhuman primates, and sheep are examples of animals frequently housed in groups
Runs, Pens, & Kennels
This type of caging is commonly used to house dogs, sheep, pigs, and goats.
Floor Options for Runs, Pens & Kennels
In pens with a raised floor, the floor is a mesh or slotted surface that may be vinyl-coated steel or fiberglass. In many facilities, the room flooring is a
waterproof surface that slopes to aid the drainage of water and urine away toward a gutter at the back of the room. Such rooms generally have a flush system for the disposal of wastes.
Runs, Pens, & Kennels Front panel of this type of caging
has a built-in bracket for removable stainless steel feeders or troughs. Water is commonly provided through
automatic systems of watering manifolds and drinking valves. Alternatively, water may be provided in
stainless steel bowls fixed in cage brackets.
Runs, Pens, & Kennels
Nonhuman Primate Caging
Indoors, NHPs may be housed in cages on racks in group caging in cages attached to the wall
Nonhuman Primate Caging
Some cages, called squeeze cages, have a movable back wall that slides forward Some cage systems are modular and have sliding panel dividers between adjacent cages
Activity Cage or Area
NHPs can be housed outdoors in a variety of housing systems that are typically custom-built
Aquatic Caging
Aquatic caging systems must have a water source and a drain Designed to effectively manage
large volumes of water Usually consists of units that have
several shelves supporting tanks made of transparent material
Cubicles
Designed to function as mini animal rooms within a larger room
Agricultural Housing
Agricultural animals may be kept in research buildings or in barns. Swine, sheep, and goats may be housed indoors in pens or kennels at floor-level or on elevated platforms A disadvantage of corrals and
pastures is the difficulty of immobilizing or restraining a single animal.
Metabolism Cages Spilled feed and water can be
collected to allow for the accurate measurement of feed and water intake Urine and feces are channeled to
separate collection tubes
Transport, Transfer, & Shipping Cages
Amount of time the animal will be in the transport cage determines the need for feed and water Follow the regulations of the AWA regarding species-specific space requirements and the provision of feed and water during transit
Space Recommendations Space recommendations for most
common laboratory animals are provided in the Guide, which states that at a minimum: an animal must have enough space to turn
around and to express normal postural adjustments must have ready access to feed and water must have enough clean bedding or
unobstructed area to move and rest in
Space Recommendations
Whenever possible, social animals should be housed in pairs or groups, rather than individually Cages should balance the needs of
the animal with the ability to provide for sanitation
The End