Abstract

A biocontainment facility was built for studies in which the chemical carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) was instilled intrarectally in guinea pigs. The system operated by constant flow of uncontaminated air into carcinogen-contaminated animal isolation chambers and filtration through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter prior to release into the environment. The facility was tested for efficiency of carcinogen containment by substituting for the MNU a similar concentration of a fluorescent tracer, sodium fluorescein, under standard operating procedures for carcinogen administration to guinea pigs. Wipe samples from the floor, isolation chambers, animal handlers and clothing, and intake and exhaust air samples were analyzed for fluorescein before and after intrarectal instillation of the tracer. The recovery of very low concentrations of total and respirable suspended fluorescein from sampling points within the facility and the absence of detectable fluorescein in the air downstream from the HEPA filter indicated that the facility provided adequate protection against contamination of personnel or the environment.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.