What do ventilated cage racks provide to each individual cage?

Ventilated cage racks are designed to provide a controlled environment for laboratory animals, and one of their primary functions is to deliver HEPA-filtered air to each individual cage. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration is essential in animal research settings as it helps to reduce the risk of airborne contaminants, allergens, and pathogens that could affect both the animals’ health and the integrity of the research.

By using HEPA-filtered air, ventilated cage racks ensure that the animals receive fresh air that is not only clean but also helps maintain stable environmental conditions within each cage. This is crucial for preventing respiratory issues and maintaining general well-being among the housed animals. The filtration process captures a significant percentage of particles, removing potential irritants and pathogens effectively.

In contrast, other options like room temperature air, stale air with increased humidity, or fresh air without any filtration do not provide the same level of protection against contaminants and do not support optimal animal health in a research setting. HEPA filtration is a key feature that distinguishes ventilated cage racks from other types of housing systems in terms of providing a safe and controlled environment for laboratory animals.