Reduction in the spread of rodent urinary allergens during cage changing by Laminar Air Flow cabins. Reduction in rodent allergens by LAF cabins”

Abstract

As spread of allergens, especially during handling and cage changes, is a problem in an animal facility,  initiatives are taken to reduce this spread. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness  of a LAF-cabin (Laminar Air Flow cabin), and its ability to protect the staff against inhaling allergens during  cage changing of rats, and mice. The allergens were sampled from the handler’s breathing zone and  from different places inside the cabin. Subsequently the amount of allergens was quantified by an ELISA  testing for MUS m1 and RAT n1. 

The use of the LAF-cabin reduced the amount of rat and mouse allergens in the breathing zone by at least  90-95%. The study shows that by using a LAF-cabin for cage changing it is possible both to achieve an  essential reduction in allergen exposure for the staff and at the same time keep the allergens inside the ventilated  area of the cabin, thereby preventing allergen contamination of the surrounding facilities. The  potential advantages compared with other techniques are outlined.