Laboratory animal workstation plays an important role in providing operator and environmental protection during animal handling for clinical researches. This workstation protects the operator from viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, hazardous substances, toxins, allergens, anesthetic gases, and physical injuries.
Esco's animal research workstations are top-grade, ELISA-verified containment. Its low noise level, energy-efficient DC ECM blower, and ULPA filter make it the leading animal workstation in the market.
Must-have features to consider:
- Low noise level for quiet operation, comfortable for the user and animals
- Equipped with an energy-efficient motor/blower
- Cost-effective ULPA filter (ISO class 3 work zone) with >99.999% efficiency at 0.1-0.3 μm which is 10x better compared to HEPA filter
- Intuitive and easy-to-use microprocessor-based controller
- ELISA-verified containment that provides >99% protection against allergens
- Monitors real-time airflow that alerts user if airflow is insufficient
- Comfortable leg-room
Bedding disposal animal workstations are specifically designed to protect the personnel and the lab environment from exposure to allergens and unpleasant odors. The industry-exclusive hydraulic height-adjustable stand allows the work surface height to be adjusted to user preference therefore minimizing strain during repetitive operations. An integrated waste container enables direct disposal of waste items within the work zone offering simpler, safer, and more productive cage cleaning and bedding disposal procedures.
Dual access animal workstations aim to provide operator comfort and prevent the lab animals from being agitated during cage transfer. This equipment has a legroom on both sides to allow two operators to work while doing cage transfer comfortably. It also has an internal work zone is divided into two by an air curtain that allows transfer of animals from a "dirty" to a "clean" area.
The latest VIVA® G4 (VA2 G4) provides a high level of containment with the use of ECM motor technology (DC motor). VA2 G4 protects animals inside the work zone from exposure to airborne particulates/ambient contamination.
VA2-S G4
VIVA® G4 Animal Containment Workstation
Specifications:
- Dimmable LED lighting system
- Centurion touchscreen controller
- Standby height that activates standby mode sustaining ISO Class 3 work zone as the fan runs at half speed
- USB port to relay operational parameters to Building Management System (BMS)
- Remote Modbus
- Default cable port
- Optional 21 CFR Compliance
- 12” sash working height for mouse and rat cages
- ELISA-proven containment
- Pre-filter rack for capturing animal dander
- Equipped with DC ECM blower for up to 70% energy savings
- Low power consumption
- Available width sizes: 4 ft and 6 ft
VBD-4A_
VIVA® Bedding Disposal Animal Workstation
Specifications:
- ELISA-verified containment
- ULPA Filter and carbon filter to absorb odor
- Motorized height stand
- Integrated waste bin
- Available size: 4ft
VDA-_A_
VIVA® Dual Access Animal Workstations
Specifications:
- Lowest energy
- Lowest noise at ≤ 53 dBA
- Legroom in both sides
- ELISA tested
- Available size: 4ft and 5ft
Animal research workstations are used when handling animals to protect personnel and environment from exposure to biological hazards, allergens, and unpleasant odors.
The ideal location to install an animal research workstation is at a dead-end corner of laboratory—away from pedestrian traffic, doors, windows, air conditioners, and other sources of airflow disturbances.
It is recommended that the animal research workstation is run continously. If the unit is turned off, allow three minutes of auto-purge cycle to decontaminate the work-zone before loading with samples.
Esco VIVA® animal research workstations are ELISA-verified containment that provides >99% protection against allergens.
In general, animal research workstations should be certified at least annually. Some institutions require a more frequent recertification schedule. It should also be recertified when filters are changed.
It is recommended to stop working. If the problem is not showing on the controller display e.g. airflow failure, contact your local Esco representative to determine the root cause.
There are three kinds of animal research workstation under VIVA® product line.
Universal Animal Containment Workstation (VA2) is a containment equipment that provides biosafety cabinet class II protection, suitable for various research procedures.
Dual Access Animal Containment Workstation (VDA) has an accessible front and back sides, suitable for cage changing and animal transfer procedure.
Bedding Disposal Animal Containment Workstation (VBD) has an integrated waste bin, suitable for bedding disposal procedures and cage changing.
Service fixture provides a convenient supply of gas, vacuum, air, or water (depending on the application) within the working area of an Esco cabinet.
All Esco animal research workstations are equipped with a pre-filter and an ULPA filter which creates an ISO class 3 work-zone. Only bedding disposal animal containment workstation (VBD) has an additional carbon filter for removal of odors.
No. Animal workstations are not designed to handle with chemicals. Esco recommends using fume hoods when dealing with chemicals.
Esco recommends cleaning the work-zone of the animal research workstation with an appropriate disinfectant (70% Isopropyl aclohol solution) and clean cloth daily. The user should not use strong disinfectants such as chlorox and bleach to clean the stainless steel surfaces.