Dels M-2 Yellow Hamster Housing Cage (for SPF and Conventional Rodent Facilities)

Overview

The Dels M-2 Yellow Hamster Housing Cage is a precision-engineered, stainless steel–framed rodent housing system designed specifically for the humane, compliant, and operationally efficient maintenance of yellow hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and other similarly sized laboratory rodents—including mice (Mus musculus) and dwarf hamsters—under both conventional and Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) barrier conditions. Built to meet internationally recognized standards for animal welfare and facility hygiene—including those referenced in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC, 2011), AAALAC International accreditation criteria, and ISO 55000-based facility asset management protocols—the M-2 cage integrates ergonomic design with functional modularity. Its measurement principle is not analytical but operational: it provides standardized, ventilated, and controllable microenvironments that support consistent physiological baseline data, reproducible experimental outcomes, and regulatory traceability across preclinical research, toxicology studies, and breeding programs.

Key Features

• Dimensions: 320 × 215 × 170 mm (L × W × H), optimized for single or paired yellow hamster housing while maintaining adequate floor area (>600 cm² per animal per NIH/OLAW recommendations)
• Construction: High-grade 304 stainless steel frame with electropolished finish; polycarbonate or medical-grade polypropylene cage box (depending on configuration); laser-cut stainless steel wire mesh lid (mesh aperture: 12.7 mm × 12.7 mm, compliant with EU Directive 2010/63/EU Annex IV)
• Integrated hydration system: Standardized 250 mL or 500 mL borosilicate glass or PETG hanging water bottle with stainless steel sipper tube and precision ball-valve mechanism (leak-resistant, autoclavable to 121°C for 20 min)
• Modular compatibility: Interchangeable with Dels T-type and flat-panel rack systems (e.g., CP-3/70, M-1/70, PB-5/5), enabling scalable vertical housing configurations up to 70 cages per unit
• Autoclavability & chemical resistance: All structural components withstand repeated sterilization cycles (steam, hydrogen peroxide vapor, or 2% glutaraldehyde immersion) without dimensional drift or surface degradation
• Low particulate emission: Smooth interior surfaces and seamless joints minimize dust accumulation and facilitate HEPA-filtered IVC (Individually Ventilated Cage) integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The M-2 housing system supports longitudinal studies involving yellow hamsters, BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice, and juvenile Sprague-Dawley rats (up to 150 g). It is routinely deployed in AAALAC-accredited facilities, GLP-compliant toxicology laboratories, and SPF-certified breeding units. Cage configurations comply with IACUC-mandated space allowances and environmental enrichment requirements—including provision for nesting material, sheltered zones, and gnawing substrates. When used in conjunction with Dels’ stainless steel rack systems (e.g., CPR-3 series), the M-2 meets airflow uniformity thresholds specified in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110-2016 for ventilated caging infrastructure. Documentation packages include material safety data sheets (MSDS), autoclave validation reports, and third-party biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity, ISO 10993-10 sensitization).

Software & Data Management

While the M-2 is a passive housing unit, its standardized dimensions and barcode-ready labeling interface seamlessly integrate into enterprise-level Laboratory Animal Management Systems (LAMS), including Provantis®, LabVantage LIMS, and Scion LMS. Each cage can be assigned a unique QR-coded asset tag supporting RFID-enabled tracking across housing, procedure, and sanitation workflows. Cage usage logs—including autoclave cycle timestamps, bedding change records, and health monitoring entries—are auditable under 21 CFR Part 11 when linked to validated electronic data capture platforms. Dels provides optional digital rack mapping tools compatible with BIM (Building Information Modeling) for facility-wide inventory optimization and HVAC load forecasting.

Applications

• Long-term SPF colony maintenance of Mesocricetus auratus for immunology and metabolic disease modeling
• Short-term acclimatization and post-procedural recovery housing following surgical implantation or telemetry device placement
• Behavioral phenotyping assays requiring stable, low-stress housing prior to open-field, rotarod, or light-dark transition testing
• Toxicology dose-range finding studies where group-housed animals require uniform ventilation and minimal cross-contamination risk
• Contract research organization (CRO) facility standardization across multi-site preclinical programs

FAQ

Is the M-2 cage compatible with IVC systems?
Yes—the M-2’s footprint and height are engineered to align with standard IVC plenum interfaces (e.g., Tecniplast Green Line, Allentown Sealsafe Plus). Custom gasket kits are available upon request.

What is the maximum recommended animal weight for the M-2 configuration?
The M-2 is validated for yellow hamsters (up to 180 g) and mice (up to 40 g). For rats >150 g, the R-1 or CP-4 models are recommended.

Can the cage be used in germ-free isolators?
Yes—when assembled with gamma-irradiated polycarbonate boxes and ethylene oxide–sterilized components, the M-2 meets ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom compatibility requirements.

Does Dels provide validation documentation for regulatory submissions?
Yes—full IQ/OQ documentation packages, including dimensional verification reports, material certifications (EN 10088-1), and cleaning efficacy validation (ATP bioluminescence assay data), are supplied with bulk orders.

Are replacement parts (e.g., sipper tubes, lids, bottles) available separately?
All consumables and wear components are stocked globally and shipped with serialized lot traceability for GMP-aligned inventory control.