Room Conditions
1. General
1. An animal room must be kept clean, quiet, and uncluttered. The use of procedure
rooms is encouraged whenever possible. Research procedures which are permitted
within the room include injections, blood collection, examinations and other
noninvasive techniques. Procedures which are not permitted in the animal room
include surgery, euthanasia and necropsy.
2. Light
1. Light levels should be adequate for the animal to perform normal behaviors and for
the animal care giver to perform their duties. Diffuse lighting in the range of 130-325
lux are normal.
2. The light cycle should be appropriate for the biology of the animal, if consistent with
experimental goals. A diurnal 12 hour light cycle for most species and 14 hour light
/10 hour dark for rats and mice are standard. Reversal of the cycle or alteration of the
cycle may be desirable depending on the experiment. Light cycles should be changed
gradually, not abruptly.
3. Ventilation
1. Room ventilation must be adequate to provide oxygen and remove chemical,
biological, and heat waste. The standard rate is 10-15 air changes per hour. Lower
levels may be acceptable if animal density in the room is low. Fresh air is desirable,
although recycled air may be provided if it has been conditioned to remove excess
heat, carbon dioxide, moisture, odors, or biological or chemical hazards.