VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)
(b) Surgical Preparation Room ..................................................................................... 11.2 NSM (120 NSF)
This room is to accommodate the preparation of animals prior to surgery. It
should be located contiguous to and with direct access to the operating rooms.
NOTE: For facilities with up to 651 NSM (7000 NSF) of total laboratory unit
space, the animal surgical preparation room may be combined with post
operative intensive care.
(c) Scrub and Gown Room.............................................................................................. 7.0 NSM ( 75 NSF)
This area will be used by the surgical team for preoperative surgical scrubbing
and gowning. It should be located adjacent to and with direct access to the
operating rooms.
(d) Surgical Work and Supply Room
Number of
Investigators
Up to 28 ..................................................................................................................... 13.5 NSM (145 NSF)
Over 28 ...................................................................................................................... 24.6 NSM (265 NSF)
This room accommodates the following functions: cleaning and sterilization of
surgical instruments; preparation of sterile surgical instrument packs; and storage
of surgical supplies. This room should be adjacent to the operating rooms for
convenient access to additional supplies during surgery.
(e) Post Operative Intensive Care
This room accommodates animals during the immediate post operative period.
During this time animals are closely observed and may receive supportive fluids,
analgesics and other medication to ensure comfort and metabolic stability. It
should be located convenient to the operating rooms.
Number of
Investigators
Up to 28 ..................................................................................................................... 11.2 NSM (120 NSF)
Over 28 ...................................................................................................................... 18.6 NSM (200 NSF)
(8) Storage, Dry Feed, and Bedding
Bedding and feed storage should be located convenient to the animal rooms. The
most suitable location depends to a large extent on the size of the VMU. In a
small facility the preferred location is usually near the facility entrance. As the
size of the facility increases, a more centralized location is desirable. If the VMU
is situated on an upper level of a multi-story building, this storage should be
located on the same floor as the VMU rather than near the loading dock.
Number of
Investigators
Up to 28 ....................................................................................................................... 11.2 NSM (120 NSF)
Over 28 ........................................................................................................................ 22.3 NSM (240 NSF)
NOTE: Refer to paragraph 5b (7) for guidelines concerning adjustments to space
requirements. A maximum of 25 percent of this space may be allocated to
refrigerated storage for perishable food items.
278-14
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