Cage Wash Facility Design Concepts

This focuses on the design and operational considerations for cage wash facilities in animal research vivariums. It emphasizes the critical role of the cage wash space, often referred to as the “heart” of the facility, in maintaining the health and efficiency of the vivarium. The chapter outlines the design process, including pre-design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and procurement, construction contract administration, and project close-out. Key design drivers such as research program status, cage change frequency, diversity of items washed, cage and rack movement, throughput requirements, reliability, resilience, and future flexibility are discussed in detail. The chapter also highlights the importance of understanding local building codes, institutional standards, and the need for collaboration with design professionals and stakeholders. Additionally, it covers the planning considerations for centralized versus decentralized cage wash facilities, machine selection, and the integration of automated systems to enhance efficiency and reduce labor. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for designing a functional, efficient, and future-proof cage wash facility that meets the immediate and long-term needs of the institution