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Key Points of Animal Laboratory Engineering Construction under GLP Standards

Created on 04.21
In life sciences and the pharmaceutical industry, animal experiments are indispensable for generating reliable data and achieving meaningful research outcomes. Constructing animal laboratories that comply with GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards is fundamental to ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and scientific credibility.
Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd., a specialist in purification engineering and laboratory infrastructure, fully understands the complexity and demands of GLP animal facility construction. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the key engineering elements involved.
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1. Site Selection Considerations

Selecting an appropriate site is the first crucial step. According to China’s Experimental Animal Management Regulations, several factors must be evaluated:
  • Noise Control:
The lab should be far from factories, traffic routes, or any high-decibel noise sources that may affect the physiological and psychological conditions of experimental animals.
  • Distance from Pollution Sources:
Ensure the site is away from garbage disposal areas, chemical plants, and other contamination sources that may release harmful gases or wastewater.
  • Wind Direction & Isolation:
The facility should be located downwind relative to production areas to prevent airborne pollutants from entering the laboratory.
A green isolation belt is essential for reducing dust, noise, and visual interference.
  • Environmental Requirements:
    • Clean and quiet surroundings
    • High and dry terrain
    • Reliable water and power supply
    • Good drainage and ventilation
  • Independent Construction:
Animal facilities for research or production should be built separately from other departments to avoid cross-contamination.

2. Floor Plan & Functional Layout

A GLP animal facility must strictly follow the requirements of GB14925-2001 Experimental Animal Environment and Facilities. Planning should consider the flow of personnel, materials, animals, and waste to prevent cross-contamination.
Key layout considerations:
  • Rational Room Allocation:
Room quantities should match breeding scale and testing frequency.
IVC (Individually Ventilated Cage) systems are recommended for breeding rooms.
  • Functional Zoning:Proper separation of:
✔ Outer protection area
✔ Building protection area
✔ Breeding protection area
  • Dedicated Movement Routes:
Personnel, animals, and waste must each have their own controlled paths.
  • Cleaning Preparation Area:
    • Sized based on equipment needs (autoclaves, sterilizers)
    • Must be physically separated from washing rooms
    • Walls should be seamless and free of cracks

3. Environmental Control Parameters

1. Temperature & Humidity

  • Temperature: 20°C–26°C, with daily fluctuations ≤ 4°C
  • Relative humidity: 40%–70%
Stable conditions prevent respiratory illness and physiological stress in animals, ensuring reliable experimental outcomes.

2. Air Cleanliness & Ventilation

  • Cleanliness level: Better than Class 100,000
  • Air changes per hour (ACH): 15–20
  • Air velocity: ≤ 0.2 m/s
Proper ventilation removes ammonia, CO₂, and other waste gases, maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

3. Pressure Gradients

  • Positive pressure
in clean areas prevents contaminated air infiltration.
  • Negative pressure
in infected or high-risk areas prevents harmful microorganisms from spreading.

4. Lighting & Noise Control

  • Lighting: 150–300 lx
  • Noise limits:
    • No animals:
40–50 dB
Suitable lighting and noise suppression reduce stress and ensure animal welfare.

4. Enclosure Structure & Finishes

Key construction materials and design details:
  • Walls & Ceilings:Color-coated steel panels with inner arcs and rounded columns for smooth, cleanable surfaces.
  • Flooring: 2.5 mm epoxy self-leveling coating, which is durable, seamless, and resistant to chemicals.
  • Doors: Aluminum alloy or purification airtight doors with pressure-based opening control in barrier zones.
  • Structural Requirements:
    • Moisture-proof, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant
    • Smooth transitions at wall–ceiling and wall–floor junctions
    • No internal or external windows in breeding rooms

5. Ventilation & HVAC System

GLP animal facilities depend on reliable and stable HVAC systems:
  • Central air-conditioning system
with primary and medium-efficiency filters
  • Two-compressor design
(one active, one standby) for uninterrupted operation
  • Air supply outlets
: Positioned 0.25 m above ground for optimal airflow
  • Independent power system
with emergency backup
  • Fan failure alarms
in the control room
  • Airflow organization:
    • Upper supply and lower exhaust
    • Optional sandwich wall exhaust systems for local cage ventilation
These features ensure biosafety, animal comfort, and continuous facility stability.

6. Additional System Configurations

1. Water Supply

Sterilized drinking water and purified water delivered through corrosion-resistant piping ensure the safety and health of animals.

2. Monitoring System

Surveillance cameras installed in entrances, corridors, and breeding rooms allow real-time monitoring with minimal disturbance to animals.

Conclusion

Building a GLP-compliant animal laboratory is a complex, system-driven engineering task. Every element—from site selection to HVAC design—directly affects animal welfare and experimental reliability.
With a highly experienced engineering team and comprehensive purification solutions, Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd. provides end-to-end support for constructing GLP-standard animal labs that meet stringent scientific and regulatory requirements.
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