Vivarium Design 101: Focus on Rodent Caging
Paulina Bugyis, AIA, BSA LifeStructures
The basis of animal science is animal health. As professionals in the laboratory industry, we must understand the basic concepts associated with the animal environment, so we can successfully design adequate laboratories and subsequently support research endeavors. Controlling the variables that affect the animal environment is considered essential to quality biomedical research.
This session will review the fundamental concepts and definitions for rodent housing from the first uses to present day applications. Knowing the basics helps us understand some of the design parameters and choices that we implement today. The session will highlight the benefits and concerns between conventional housing and individually ventilated caging systems and will also share some of the questions that researchers need to ask to determine what the most appropriate solution for their institution is.
There are many factors that can affect the animal's environment and have an influence on the research data, such as the adverse effect of vibration in breeding, the effects of noise, enrichment, etc. These factors deal with the physical space for the animals and have a ripple effect on the facility and its operations. After covering the basic concepts, Ms. Bugyis will move into design solutions and equipment that has been adopted over time to support the well being of animals and research integrity.
Today's design solutions and equipment are geared to help control variables. For example, the introduction of cubicle enclosures to an existing room creates a room within a room and an added control to the animal macro environment, which also provides a more flexible space where other activities can be incorporated. Being able to balance the requirements of your research program and your animal needs with what your facility is capable of (from design, operations, and statements of procedure to management of your personnel) is critical, whether it is in a new or old facility.
This session provides an understanding of how and why rodent housing is of prime importance to a research program. The information is shared in an engaging way that allows those who are new to animal environments to easily follow the process while providing a new perspective for more experienced professionals as well.
Paulina Bugyis has been with BSA LifeStructures since 2011. As a senior laboratory planner, she works to identify new methodologies and technologies for animal research environments within healing, learning, and discovery markets. Ms. Bugyis's strategy is built upon recognizing small niches in the market that offer an immense value to the client. Ms. Bugyis has special expertise and perspective from her meetings with clients and users to refine their needs into creative, viable design solutions that will not only enhance their daily work lives, but will also add efficiency and effectiveness to their workspaces. She is a stout advocate for advancing the design of research facilities in South America and often participates in online discussions to assist the growing research population in that region. Ms. Bugyis has previously presented at the Tradeline Conference in 2005 and has led numerous client presentations and visioning sessions.