Low-cost aerosol exposure system for Guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND

This project designed and tested an economical apparatus to safely expose guinea pigs to biohazardous aerosol. The goals were to design a system that can be easily decontaminated, fits in a biosafety cabinet, and affordable.

METHODS

It is composed of three main chambers housed in an outer box that fits within a conventionally sized biosafety cabinet. The animal chamber contains a removable housing unit for either four or eight guinea pigs. The aerosol chamber is separate to minimize contamination. The nebulizer chamber is also sealed to reduce risks from leakages. This apparatus is easily decontaminated by immersion in disinfectant.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

This system has been tested for safety, ergonomics, efficiency of rodent exposure to bacteria, airflow, access points, seal mechanisms, and size. This system is effective, consistent, safe and cost efficient.