Semi – Rigid Isolator Units

Charles River Laboratories

Consulting & Staffing Services

Terminology

Flexible Film SRI HEPA Port Gasket Magnahelic Gauge

Isolator History & Function

Used since 1950’s Flexible Film or Rigid

contruction Biocontainment

Negative Air Pressure Bioexclusion

Positive Air Pressure “Biosecurity” at Charles

River

Features

Typical forward facing port

Gasket will change color when sealed properly

Gasket Clamp

Hinge

Features

Flexible Front

HEPA Filter

Glove Arm

ExternalFilter

Isolator Supplies

Nitrile Gloves

ElectricalTape

O-Rings

Leak Detection

Snoop® Apply liquid to area

suspected of leak and watch for bubbles

Alternative Mild Soap solution

Air flow

NegativePositive

Keeping it Clean

Wescodyne® Clidox

Bleach Solution Windex®/Cinch®

Peracetic Acid Chemical

Incompatibility Check MSDS

Ergonomics

Your back should always be as straight as possible.

Hydraulic tables allow the user to adjust the height!

Filter Change

Filters should be checked daily

Filters need to be changed when the magnahelic gauge increases by 0.05 (i.e. from 1.0 to 1.5)

Filter Pop Quiz

Which filter assembly needs to be replaced?

Testing for deterioration

This rim should appear green even when stretched.

If small holes or cracks are present glove must be replaced.

Punctures from animal bites or instruments also warrant glove replacement.

Glove and flexible surface checks

•Check the magnahelic gauge•Pull the gloves inside out, pulling on the cuff only•Check for holes, punctures, tears, or stretched areas•Then recheck the magnahelic for proper pressure•Wipe down the outside of the flexible front surface

Semi-Rigid Isolator Daily Checks and Inspections

Magnahelic and Ball Valve

Ball Valve

MagnahelicGauge

Fan Motor

Magnehelic gauge check

•Check gauge and record twice daily•Gauge reads what the pressure is inside the isolator (+.10 or -.10)

•Reads in Inches of Water•Not reading proper pressure report immediately •DO NOT adjust equipment unless properly trained

Semi-Rigid Isolator Daily Checks and Inspections

Filter Locations

HEPA filter

ExternalFilter

But how do you use it?

Introduction of supplies

Supplies always in unit

Disinfectants Sharps Forceps Scraper Marking Pens Absorbent Towels Paper Bags Hand Broom

Supplies introduced to unit

Feed Bedding Cages Water Sterilized vs

Irradiated

Port Door

Loading the Isolator:

•Remove all jewelry, watches and especially rings•Don protective glove liners•Gather appropriate supplies•Open the outside port door•Place supplies into port –Spray down supplies with disinfectant/sterilent

•Allow sufficient contact time•20 – 40 minutes•Secure outer door

How to Use the Semi-Rigid Isolator Units

Loading the Isolator: continued

•Push the sleeves into the isolator by holding onto cuff•Over stretching the gloves will cause damage •Open the port door •Remove items from port into the isolator•After all items have been removed, shut and lock port door clamps

How to Use the Semi-Rigid Isolator Units

Unloading the Isolator:

•Once everything is ready to be removed from the isolator spray the inside of the port completely•Spray all items before placing them into port•Once all items are sprayed down with Clidox the port can be loaded•After everything is loaded the port is then closed•Set the timer according to SOP/Chemical Manufacturer

How to Use the Semi-Rigid Isolator Units

Unloading the Isolator:

•When the timer goes off you may unload the port•Contaminated items should be disposed/sanitized appropriately.

How to Use the Semi-Rigid Isolator Units

How to Use the Semi-Rigid Isolator Units

Label door with time initials

Set exposure timer

Document event in log

Introducing/Removing Animals to Isolator

Supplies Biosafety Cabinet Plastic bottle/containers

Nalgene® Disinfectant Forceps

Introducing/Removing Animals to Isolator

Transfer into bottle/container inside BSC Leave lids unsealed until all containers are filled

Use same introduction procedures as supplies Ensure animals are promptly removed from

bottle/container Air supply in sealed container must be established

Removing Animals from Isolator

Return to plastic bottles/containers

Double wrap in bag Paper or plastic?

Use regular “spray out” procedures

Air supply for animals limited!

Inside of the isolator check•Shelving and all surfaces for cracks or cuts in the plastic•Light bulb and casing•Port and clamps to ensure that it seals inside and out •If any one of these items are wrong or not working report immediately•DO NOT leave trash inside the isolator•DO NOT leave the isolator dirty

Animal checks inside the isolators•Check feed and water levels in each cage•Observe the animals to ensure health status•Check for and change any wet cages

Semi-Rigid Isolator Daily Checks and

Inspections

Cage changing•Before cage changing begins ensure that all of the daily checks have been completed•Make sure all items for changing are inside the isolator before starting, this will help with being efficient•Change cages•After the cages have been changed remove all trash and dirty bedding from the isolator•Make sure all animals are present and safely in their home cages•Wash down the inside of the isolator, all surfaces including the inside of the glove sleeves•Once all trash is removed wipe down the port

Filter checks•Check the outside filter for any dirt, debris, or damage•Report to a supervisor if something is found

Semi-Rigid Isolator weekly Checks and Inspections

SRI Supply Checklist

Isolator # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Egg Timer

Thermo hygrometer

Brush

Scraper

Wescodyne (diluted)

Pen/Sharpie

Paper Bags

Forceps

Towels

Water Bottles/Sipper Tops

Cage Bottoms

Wire bar lids

Card Holders/ Cage Cards

TP Rolls and Nestlets

Sharps Container

Date Animals Enter

Investigator Name

Date Animals Removed

Date Isolator Deconned

Initials

ISOLATOR # _______