What is the potential advantage of a clean/dirty facility design?

The potential advantage of a clean/dirty facility design lies in its enhanced control of contaminants. This design separates areas based on cleanliness, typically creating distinct zones for "clean" activities involving animals and "dirty" activities, such as waste disposal or equipment processing. By having a clear demarcation between these areas, the risk of cross-contamination is significantly reduced. This is crucial in maintaining the health and welfare of laboratory animals, ensuring that pathogens or contaminants from dirty areas do not compromise the sterile conditions necessary for research.

In contrast, increased traffic flow through animal rooms could lead to more opportunities for contamination, complicating the purpose of a clean/dirty design. Reduced overall construction costs is less relevant in this context, as the focus of a clean/dirty facility is more on health and safety rather than cost efficiency. Finally, while shared equipment use can promote resource efficiency, it does not inherently align with the primary goal of controlling contamination in the lab environment.