Rat Restraint Tube by Huironghe

Overview

The Huironghe HRH-Series Rat Restraint Tube is a precision-engineered, non-invasive immobilization device designed for standardized handling and procedural consistency in preclinical rodent research. Constructed from medical-grade, autoclavable polycarbonate, the tube facilitates controlled physiological monitoring, intravenous or oral dosing, blood sampling, imaging positioning, and behavioral assessment without inducing excessive stress responses. Its design adheres to internationally recognized principles of humane animal restraint—minimizing physical compression while ensuring full body stabilization and unobstructed airway access. The device operates on mechanical restraint principles (i.e., confinement-based immobilization), not sedation or chemical fixation, aligning with the 3Rs framework (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) as endorsed by AAALAC International, the European Directive 2010/63/EU, and NIH OLAW guidelines.

Key Features

• Optimized ergonomic geometry: tapered anterior section accommodates natural head extension; posterior chamber allows unrestricted thoracic expansion and diaphragmatic movement during respiration.
• Translucent, scratch-resistant polycarbonate housing enables real-time visual monitoring of animal posture, mucosal color, respiratory rate, and distress indicators without opening the tube.
• Integrated ventilation slots along the dorsal and lateral walls ensure continuous airflow (>15 air changes per hour under standard lab conditions) and prevent CO₂ accumulation.
• Modular locking mechanism with dual-position adjustment (standard and extended-length variants available) supports consistent positioning across weight ranges (200–500 g rats).
• Compatible with common laboratory accessories including tail vein access ports, IV catheter guides, and stereotaxic alignment adapters.
• Autoclavable up to 121°C for 20 minutes (per ISO 17664), supporting repeated use under GLP-compliant facility protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HRH-Series tube is validated for use with Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and Long-Evans rat strains within standard weight and age parameters (6–12 weeks). It is not intended for use with juvenile rats (600 g), or non-rat species without prior validation. All units comply with ISO 10993-5 (biological evaluation of medical devices — cytotoxicity testing) and meet USP Class VI requirements for plastic components in contact with biological specimens. Documentation packages include material safety data sheets (MSDS), sterilization validation summaries, and conformity declarations aligned with ICH S5(R3) and OECD Test Guideline 408 (Repeated Dose 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents).

Software & Data Management

This is a hardware-only restraint system with no embedded electronics or firmware. However, it integrates seamlessly into digital experimental workflows via compatibility with third-party acquisition platforms—including ADInstruments LabChart, Noldus EthoVision XT, and Bruker ParaVision—for synchronized timestamping of restraint onset relative to physiological recordings (e.g., ECG, EEG, laser Doppler flowmetry) or imaging sequences (MRI, PET, micro-CT). Audit trails generated by such systems satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with appropriate electronic signature controls and system validation documentation.

Applications

• Pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies requiring serial blood collection at defined timepoints.
• Non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring (tail-cuff BP, pulse oximetry, Doppler ultrasound).
• Standardized administration of test articles via oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, or subcutaneous implantation.
• Functional neuroimaging preparation where head fixation must coexist with minimal motion artifact and stable cerebral perfusion.
• Behavioral assays requiring acute restraint habituation prior to open-field, elevated plus maze, or forced swim testing.
• Training and certification modules for IACUC-approved animal handling techniques in academic and contract research organizations (CROs).

FAQ

Is the HRH-Series compatible with MRI environments?
Yes—polycarbonate construction renders it non-magnetic and RF-transparent; however, users must verify compatibility with specific scanner bore dimensions and gradient coil clearance requirements.
Can the tube be used for chronic restraint protocols?
No. This device is intended for acute, procedure-limited restraint (typically ≤60 minutes per session); prolonged immobilization requires alternative welfare-reviewed approaches per institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) approval.
Does Huironghe provide validation support for GCP/GLP audits?
Yes—certified reference documents, traceable calibration records for dimensional tolerances, and supplier quality agreements are available upon request to qualified regulatory stakeholders.
What cleaning agents are recommended between uses?
70% ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or EPA-registered quaternary ammonium disinfectants; avoid chlorine-based solutions or abrasive scrubbing to preserve optical clarity and structural integrity.