IVC - Exposure and Density of Rat Allergens for Personnel and in the Animal Room: A Comparison Between a Novel IVC Equipment for Rats and Conventional Open Cages

Many researchers and animal technicians are heavily exposed for allergens when working with rodents. The most serious problems are long-term housing of rats. The risk to develop allergy is high specially when working with old male rats. Previous documentation shows that the working environment is much better in rooms with IVC systems. Not very much though is showed concerning housing of rats in IVC systems. A new system for housing rats in a IVC cage "the double deck" with an extra level for the rats to stay on might be a solution.