Guinea Pig Restraint Tube
| Brand | Huironghe |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | HRH– |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Huironghe HRH– Guinea Pig Restraint Tube is a precision-engineered, non-invasive handling device designed for standardized immobilization of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during preclinical research procedures. Constructed from medical-grade, autoclavable polycarbonate, the tube provides controlled physical restraint without compromising animal welfare or physiological stability. Its design adheres to internationally recognized principles of humane animal handling as outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC, 2011) and EU Directive 2010/63/EU. The device operates on mechanical restraint—no sedation, clamping, or pressure-based fixation—is required, minimizing stress-induced confounding variables such as elevated corticosterone levels or cardiovascular fluctuations during dosing, imaging, blood collection, or dermal exposure studies.
Key Features
- Transparent, shatter-resistant polycarbonate construction enabling continuous visual monitoring of animal behavior, respiration rate, and mucosal coloration during restraint
- Ergonomic tapered geometry accommodating standard guinea pig weight ranges (250–700 g), with adjustable ventilation slots to maintain thermal and respiratory homeostasis
- Smooth internal surface finish and rounded entry/exit apertures to prevent skin abrasion or nail entrapment
- Modular base compatibility: integrates with standard laboratory workbenches, stereotaxic frames, and IVIS or micro-CT positioning stages via optional mounting brackets
- Autoclavable up to 121°C for 20 minutes (ISO 17664-compliant cleaning validation), supporting reuse across multiple study cohorts under GLP-aligned facility protocols
- Non-reflective matte exterior finish to reduce glare during video-based behavioral scoring or photogrammetric analysis
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HRH– tube is validated for use with outbred and inbred guinea pig strains including Hartley, Strain 2, and NIH-approved models. It is not intended for use with rabbits, rats, or other rodent species due to anatomical mismatch in thoracic girth and limb articulation. The device complies with national standards GB/T 27417–2017 (Guidelines for Validation of Animal Experimental Instruments) and supports institutional AAALAC International accreditation requirements for equipment traceability and maintenance logging. While not a regulated medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its design aligns with ICH S5(R3) recommendations for minimizing procedural artifacts in toxicokinetic and safety pharmacology assessments.
Software & Data Management
This is a passive mechanical restraint system with no embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interface. Consequently, it requires no software installation, driver configuration, or cybersecurity validation. All usage records—including sterilization logs, subject ID linkage, duration of restraint, and observer notes—are documented manually or integrated into existing LIMS or electronic lab notebook (ELN) platforms (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) via standardized metadata templates. Audit trails remain fully compatible with GLP-compliant data integrity frameworks, including ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Intratracheal or intranasal administration of aerosols, nanoparticles, or vaccine candidates in respiratory toxicology studies
- Repeated venipuncture or saphenous vein cannulation under visual guidance
- High-resolution ultrasound imaging of cardiac function or abdominal organ morphology
- Topical sensitization testing per OECD TG 406 (Guinea Pig Maximization Test)
- Acoustic startle response measurement with concurrent EMG electrode placement
- Pharmacokinetic sampling at defined timepoints post-dose without interruption of experimental continuity
FAQ
Is the HRH– tube suitable for long-term restraint beyond 30 minutes?
No. Continuous restraint exceeding 30 minutes is contraindicated per institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) guidelines; intermittent release and recovery periods are mandatory.
Can the tube be used for juvenile or pregnant guinea pigs?
Only after protocol-specific veterinary review. Juveniles (<200 g) require size-adjusted variants; pregnancy necessitates modified positioning and shortened duration to avoid uterine compression.
Does the product include mounting hardware or adapters?
Mounting accessories are available separately as optional add-ons (Part No. HRH-MB-KIT); standard configuration includes only the restraint tube and removable end caps.
What is the recommended cleaning protocol between subjects?
Wipe-down with 70% ethanol followed by sterile water rinse; full autoclaving is advised between study cohorts or when cross-contamination risk is elevated.
Is technical support available for IACUC protocol drafting?
Yes—Huironghe provides application engineering documentation and sample SOPs aligned with OLAW and FELASA best practices, available upon request to qualified institutions.
