Animal Vivarium

1. Quarantine room (~150 sq. ft):- Rm# 051

This room is used for isolating newly arrived animals to prevent the spread of potential diseases to the resident animals. It ensures that animals undergo a quarantine period before being introduced into the main facility.

2. Animal housing room x 3 (~150 sq ft each): Rms # 057, 058 and 053 (Currently 053 is having the Animal Transfer and mobile changing station)

These rooms serve as the primary housing areas for animals. They provide a controlled environment with appropriate temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions to ensure the well-being of the animal.

3. Behavioral Testing Room (~100 sq ft): Rm# 052

A dedicated room equipped with various apparatus and setups for conducting behavioral experiments and tests on animals.

4. Animal Enrichment Room (This will be converted to testing room in future) (~100 sq ft): Rm# 054

A space where enrichment materials and devices are stored and prepared to enhance the well-being and behavioral diversity of the animals.

5. Storage Room (~50 sq ft): Rm# 061B

This room is designated for storing cages, bedding, feed supplies, and other equipment required for animal care and maintenance. It facilitates organization and easy access to essential items.

6. Surgical Room (100 sq ft): Rm# 056A

This room is equipped for performing surgical procedures on animals. It includes a surgical suite table and adjacent preparation room for sterilizing instruments and preparing materials.

7. Surgical Preparation Room (~100 sq ft): Rms# 055 and 056 (Rm# 056 also has the laminar flow hood)

A room adjacent to the surgical suite for preparing surgical instruments, materials, and anesthesia equipment before procedures, ensuring efficiency and sterility during surgeries.

8. Environmental Control Systems (~500 sq ft): Rm# 060

Systems used to regulate and monitor environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and lighting within animal housing rooms to ensure optimal conditions for animal health and well-being.

1. 30-cage Techniplast Individually Ventilated Caging (IVC) systems (Rm# 058)

The Techniplast systems is specifically designed for housing rats, providing controlled airflow and environmental conditions within each cage.  These cages play a crucial role in meeting the needs of researchers and maintaining compliance with IACUC guidelines.

2. Photobeam Activity System - Open Field (16x16) USB x 2 (Rm# 052)

A system used for monitoring activity and exploratory behavior of animals in an open field setting. It typically includes photobeams that detect movement and software for data analysis.

3. Condition Place Preference (3 compartment) USB (Rm# 052)

A setup designed to assess the preference of animals for different environments or conditions. It usually consists of three compartments, allowing the animal to choose between them.

4. Social interaction chamber (Rm# 052)

This chamber is specifically designed for assessing social behaviors in animals. It provides controlled conditions for observing interactions between individuals and analyzing social dynamics.

5. Elevated Zero Maze (Rm# 052)

The Elevated Zero Maze is a common apparatus for evaluating anxiety-like behavior in mice. It comprises a circular platform with open and closed arms, allowing researchers to measure parameters like time spent in open areas to assess anxiety levels.

6. Configured Computer - All in one Desktop PC (Rm# 052)

A computer system equipped with necessary software for data collection, analysis, and control of experimental conditions within the quarantine room.

7. Refrigerator/freezers x 2 (Rm# 051 and one in Hallway next to Rm# 50)

Refrigerators/freezers used for storing biological samples, reagents, or other perishable items required for animal care and experimentation during the quarantine period.

8. Laminar flow hood x 1 (Rm# 056)

Equipment providing a sterile environment for handling sterile materials or conducting procedures requiring a clean environment, reducing the risk of contamination.

9. Animal Transfer/Mobile Changing Station x 1 (Techniplast CS5 Evoplus) (Rm# 053)

Station designed to protect users when handling contaminated animal research equipment, featuring HEPA filtered airflow and a vacuum air barrier to minimize exposure to harmful agents.

10. Cage and Bottle Washer (Schlyer Machine, CBW 1026) (Rm# 050)

A machine designed for automated cleaning and disinfection of animal cages and bottles ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation within the housing environment.

11. Autoclave (BetaStar Life Sciences Equipment) (Rm# 050)

An instrument used for sterilizing equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high-pressure saturated steam, eliminating microorganisms and reducing the risk of contamination.

12. Water Filler (Rm# 050)

A device for filling water bottles or water dispensers used to provide animals with clean and fresh drinking water, promoting their health and well-being.

13. Surgical Suite Table (Rm#056)

A dedicated table or platform in the surgical suite for conducting surgical procedures on animals, equipped with adjustable features for positioning and supporting the animal during surgery.

14. Techniplast Allergen Containment Solutions DSC36 x 1: (Hallway next to Rm# 050)

Techniplast's allergen containment solutions are sealed enclosures equipped with HEPA filtration systems aim to create a safe and controlled environment for handling allergenic materials, minimizing the risk of exposure and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.