Page 1-2 
Ventilation Design Handbook on Animal Research Facilities Using Static Microisolators 
station status (on/off), room size, cage rack arrangement, and room pressurization. The 
simulations’ variations would determine the affect on both room (macro) and cage 
(micro) environments for laboratory animal research facilities. 
12 Background to Project 
Air quality within macro (room) and micro (cage) environments of laboratory animal facilities is 
essential for the health and welfare of humans and animals, and the integrity of the studies being 
conducted. It is well-known that biological responses are influenced by both genetic heritage and 
the environment. Information on the influence of the physical environment on the animals’ 
biological responses is needed to improve laboratory animal facility design and management. At 
the optimum environmental condition, not only does the laboratory animal experience a state of 
well-being, the researcher obtains reliable and repeatable experimental results from the animal. 
While many thousands of square feet of animal research facilities are designed and constructed 
each year, inadequate information is available regarding ventilation rates and patterns required to 
maintain acceptable micro- and macroenvironments. A scientific basis is needed for selecting the 
ventilation rates of the macroenvironment and microenvironment and for designing effective 
ventilation systems for laboratory animal facilities. Design information is also needed for 
engineers to improve design, ensure air quality, and minimize energy cost. 
Current ventilation guidelines are based largely on anthropomorphic views as opposed to 
scientifically defined animal needs. Limited research has been conducted to determine macro- 
and microenvironment relationships in animal research facilities in regard to ventilation rates, 
room air distribution, supply relative humidity and temperature, and other factors required to 
maintain acceptable and uniform cage environments. Most research has focused only on room 
conditions. 
Laboratory animal ventilation should balance air quality, animal comfort, and energy efficiency 
to provide cage environments that optimize animal welfare and research efficiency. Conditions 
that optimize animal welfare automatically tend to improve research efficiency because good 
conditions minimize unintended stress factors on the animals. Additionally, the laboratory animal 
ventilation system should provide a healthy and pleasant environment for researchers and animal 
caretakers. 
On the subject of ventilation, the most commonly accepted sources of performance criteria for 
research animal facility ventilation systems are the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory 
Animals, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (1996) and the American Society of Heating 
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning HVAC Systems and Application Handbook. 
Ventilation recommendations are based on room air exchanges, but cage ventilation rates may be 
inadequate in some cages and excessive in other cages depending on cage and facility design. 
