VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)
(9) Necropsy
This room may be used for terminal procedures such as perfusion or to collect tissue
specimens following euthanasia as well as for diagnostic necropsies.
(10) Carcass and Other Waste Refrigerated Storage
This refrigerated room will be used for the storage of carcasses, animal waste,
soiled bedding, and related waste, prior to disposal. It should be located adjacent to
the "soiled dock" area in proximity to the incinerator room (when provided).
Unless provisions for prompt disposal of animal carcasses are available, this
material should be maintained below freezing to prevent putrefaction and
subsequent odor production. Storage in a frozen state is desirable when storing
radioactive carcasses to permit decay of radioactivity. This may be accomplished
using either a walk-in or chest type freezer.
Number of
Investigators
Up to 28 ......................................................................................................................... 11.2 NSM (120 NSF)
Over 28 .......................................................................................................................... 22.3 NSM (240 NSF)
(11) Walk-in Refrigerator (Cold Room) .......................................................................... 2 @ 4.7 NSM ( 50 NSF)
This space should be designed to accommodate and separate the following
functions:
(a) Storage of carcasses pending necropsy and/or tissue collection.
Ideally the room is accessible from the necropsy room and the corridor.
(b) Storage of dry feed, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
This should be located adjacent to the dry feed and bedding storage area.
(12) Cage Servicing and Sanitation Area
This area is the center of activity in the VMU. All movable cages and cage racks
are transported to and from this area at least once per week and occasionally two -
three times per week. This area is comprised of a "dirty" side where soiled cages
are received and a "clean" side where sanitized cages are stored until needed. In
order to reduce chances for cross-contamination, the "dirty" and "clean" sides are
separated with items passing from one side to the other through a cage washer.
NOTE: Refer to paragraph 5b (8) for guidelines concerning adjustments to space
requirements.
(a) Cage Wash Room
Soiled cages are initially placed in the "dirty" side of the cage wash room where
soiled bedding is removed and cages and pans are rinsed to remove debris prior to
loading into a cage washer. The type of mechanical cage washing system(s) used is
a primary determinant of the space required.
1. Tunnel Washer Only .............................................................................................. 46.0 NSM (495 NSF)
In this type of washer, items are transported on a continuously moving conveyor
belt through the various washing cycles. A tunnel washer only is rarely
acceptable. This option should be considered only for a small facility in which
animal use will be restricted to rodents.
278-15
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