As is consistent with the majority of institutions performing biomedical research, rodents are the most commonly used species of animal housed at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC). These animals are critical for the School's major research focuses, including studies of cancer, diabetes, and other health problems of importance in the USA. To ensure adequate bioprotection and prevent personnel exposure to allergens, these rodents are generally housed in individually ventilated caging and handled in laminar flow animal transfer stations. Recent internal and external evaluations have determined that we need to upgrade and expand the number of laminar flow animal transfer stations and biological safety cabinets in use in the animal facilities to improve protection of personnel and animals. Specifically, we (1) identified a subset of existing laminar flow animal transfer stations that are not providing appropriate personnel protection; (2) identified an increase in the demand for housing rodents in ABSL2 housing; and (3) determined that we should transition our the majority of our rat colonies from conventional housing to individually ventilated caging. Additionally, we have identified animal rooms where the provision of multiple laminar flow animal transfer stations will enhance compliance with the use of proper protection of animals and personnel. Based on the findings from this evaluation of our resources, funds from this grant proposal will be used to purchase 29 animal transfer change stations and 8 biological safety cabinets. This purchase will allow us to replace the 26 inappropriate hoods, add capacity for the support of BSL2 level animal models, improve the bioprotection for our rat colonies, and allow the placement of multiple animal change stations rooms with large populations of animals and scientists to ensure proper protection of the rodents and personnel.
