English
Principles of Animal Laboratory Layout: Constructing an Experimental Space Combining Science and Humanity
Created on 03.13
In life science and biomedical research, animal laboratories (vivariums) are core infrastructure—supporting basic research, drug development, toxicology testing, vaccine R&D, and disease modeling.
A high-quality animal research facility enhances scientific accuracy, ensures animal welfare, meets biosafety standards (BSL-1 to BSL-3), and complies with AAALAC, GLP, and international ethical guidelines.
As Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd. (GCC Cleanroom), an expert in cleanroom and laboratory engineering, we summarize the key principles of modern animal laboratory and vivarium design that improve functionality, safety, and operational efficiency.
I. Functional Zoning: Core to Animal Facility Planning
(Search keywords added: animal facility design, vivarium layout, animal room design)
A scientific animal laboratory must ensure clear physical segregation to minimize stress, cross-contamination, and operational conflicts.
1. Experimental Operation Area
The central area for surgery, dissection, sample collection, imaging, and physiological testing.
Design Priorities
- High-efficiency ventilation to remove ammonia, odors, VOCs, and aerosols
- Logical workflow for benches, sinks, and instruments
- Adequate illumination (≥ 300–500 lux) for microscopic and surgical tasks
- Space reserved for equipment maintenance, metabolic cages, imaging systems
2. Animal Housing & Breeding Area (Vivarium)
This area has the strictest environmental control requirements.
Key considerations
- Species-based zoning (rodents, rabbits, dogs, NHPs)
- Independent HVAC zoning with HEPA filtration
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel cage racks or IVC cages
- Smooth staff circulation routes
- Sufficient floor space for animal activity and enrichment
3. Auxiliary Function Zones
Essential support rooms include:
- Quarantine Rooms for newly received animals
- Isolation Rooms for infected or high-risk animals
- Cage Wash & Disinfection Rooms with washer/disinfector + automatic cage washers
- Feed & Bedding Storage Rooms with temperature/humidity control
- Necropsy Rooms with ventilation and drainage systems
II. Flow Management to Prevent Cross-Contamination
(Search keywords added: clean/dirty flow, animal room workflow, biosafety design)
Good flow design is the foundation of biosafety and animal welfare.
1. Personnel Flow
- Clear division of clean route, contaminated route, and logistics route
- Use of airlocks, changing rooms, and hand-washing zones
- Separate entry for animal technicians and researchers
2. Animal Flow
A standard movement sequence enhances welfare and reduces infection risks:Quarantine → Housing → Experiment → Waste Disposal
3. Material & Waste Flow
- All materials must pass through controlled disinfection
- Feed, bedding, instruments: clean flow
- Carcasses, waste bedding, contaminated materials: dirty flow
- Medical waste handled per national biosafety regulations
III. Environmental Control: Precision HVAC for Animal Rooms
(Search keywords added: animal room HVAC, IVC cage ventilation, HEPA filtration, temperature control)
1. Temperature & Humidity Control
Different species require different environments:
Species | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) |
Mice/Rats | 20–26 | 40–70 |
Rabbits | 15–20 | 45–55 |
Dogs | 18–22 | 50–60 |
NHPs | 20–28 | 40–60 |
Stable HVAC = stable experimental results.
2. Ventilation & Air Purification
- HEPA filtration to reduce allergens & pathogens
- Avoid dead zones; maintain consistent airflow
- Negative pressure for infectious rooms
- Positive pressure for clean breeding rooms
- Recommended ACH:
≥ 15–20 ACH depending on species and BSL level
3. Lighting & Acoustic Control
- Maintain 12/12 light cycle for rodents
- Use LED lights to reduce heat load
- Employ sound insulation to reduce stress and prevent behavioral interference
IV. Comprehensive Biosafety & Facility Protection
(Search keywords added: BSL animal facilities, animal biosafety level, ABSL-2, ABSL-3)
1. Biosafety (ABSL-1 to ABSL-3)
- ABSL-2: Standard for most infectious research
- ABSL-3: Required for airborne pathogens (tuberculosis, SARS-like viruses)
Typical systems include:
- Negative pressure control
- HEPA-filtered supply/exhaust
- Decontamination showers
- Effluent treatment systems
- Pass-through autoclaves
2. Fire Safety
- Fire-resistant materials
- Emergency exit planning
- Auto fire suppression in cage-washing rooms
- Flammable storage cabinets
3. Chemical & Gas Safety
- Proper zoning for anesthetic gas systems
- Fume hoods + emergency eyewash/showers
- Chemical segregation storage
V. Flexibility + Scalability for Future Research Needs
(Search keywords added: modular vivarium design, scalable animal facility)
A modern vivarium needs long-term adaptability:
- Modular cage rooms
- Extra space for expansion
- Redundant HVAC & electrical systems
- Future readiness for ABSL upgrades
- IoT environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, ammonia)
Conclusion
Designing an animal laboratory is a complex engineering project that integrates HVAC, biosafety, ethics, workflow, and research needs.
With extensive expertise across cleanroom construction, biosafety lab design, and EPC project delivery, GCC Cleanroom provides complete solutions—from planning, process layout, equipment integration, to installation and commissioning.
Build a Modern, Compliant Animal Laboratory with GCC Cleanroom
Whether building a new vivarium or upgrading your existing facility, we help you meet
✔ AAALAC
✔ GLP
✔ ISO
✔ Biosafety (ABSL)
✔ Animal Welfare Standards
Contact
Leave your information and we will contact you.
WhatsApp