Prevention of airborne contamination and cross-contamination in germ-free mice by laminar flow

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Abstract
SUMMARY The efficacy of horizontal and vertical laminar flow units (equipped with high-efficiency air niters) in the prevention of cross-contamination between cages and of contamination from outside has been demonstrated. With germ-free mice and using germ-free standard techniques for sterilization and for the transfer of germ-free mice into the cabinets via a standard entry lock, it was found that during an observation period of 2 weeks the animals remain ‘negative’. Other experiments were performed with equally good results in cabinets equipped with a hinged flap, closing 95 % of the open front side. When the flap was closed the air flow could be reduced accordingly, thus reducing the noise level and the risk of dehydration. Experiments made with germ-free mice in a ‘down-flow unit’ were also invariably good. In another type of experiment, cages with conventional mice were placed in the cabinets between cages with germ-free animals at varying distances. If all animals were maintained on wire mesh (to minimize the aerosol production of dust) and if the ‘conventional’ cages were at a distance of 10 cm. from ‘germ-free cages’ the latter remained bacteria-free during test periods of one week. The use of ‘laminar flow isolators’ for the isolation of human patients is mentioned.