Hope-Med Model 8160B2K CO₂ Euthanasia and Anesthesia Chamber
| Brand | Hope-Med |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Model | 8160B2K |
| Application | Non-pharmaceutical CO₂-based anesthesia and humane euthanasia for laboratory animals |
| Chamber Configuration | Dual-layer, high-capacity animal chamber |
| Control Mode | Pre-programmed automated sequence (acclimatization → anesthesia → euthanasia) |
| Gas Delivery | Precision-controlled CO₂ flow with real-time pressure monitoring |
| Compliance Context | Designed in alignment with AVMA 2020 Guidelines, NIH OLAW recommendations, and EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes |
| Price Range | USD 2,800 – 7,200 (FOB Tianjin) |
Overview
The Hope-Med Model 8160B2K is a dedicated CO₂-based euthanasia and anesthesia chamber engineered for consistent, traceable, and ethically compliant procedures in academic, public health, and preclinical research settings. It operates on the principle of controlled, stepwise CO₂ gas exposure—first inducing rapid unconsciousness via hypercapnia-induced sedation, followed by progressive respiratory arrest—without pharmacological intervention. This non-drug methodology eliminates metabolic interference, preserving tissue integrity and biochemical fidelity for downstream histopathology, molecular analysis, or toxicology assays. The system adheres to the fundamental tenets of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), particularly supporting refinement through standardized, observer-independent execution of humane endpoints. Its dual-layer chamber architecture enables parallel processing of multiple subjects while maintaining laminar gas distribution and uniform exposure kinetics across weight- and species-stratified cohorts (e.g., mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits).
Key Features
- Automated multi-stage protocol engine: Pre-configured sequences for acclimatization (room air), induction (5–10% CO₂), maintenance (30–70% CO₂), and terminal phase (100% CO₂), each with user-adjustable duration and flow rate
- Dual independent chamber zones: Upper and lower compartments operate simultaneously with isolated gas inlet/outlet manifolds and individual pressure transducers
- Real-time environmental monitoring: Integrated CO₂ concentration sensor (NDIR type, ±0.5% FS accuracy), chamber pressure transducer (±0.1 kPa resolution), and ambient temperature/humidity logging
- Fail-safe interlock system: Automatic gas shutoff upon door opening, pressure deviation >±0.3 kPa, or sensor fault detection; audible and visual alarm outputs
- Stainless steel 304 construction with seamless welds and autoclavable chamber trays; Class II biological safety cabinet-compatible airflow design
- CE-marked electrical subsystems; meets IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 8160B2K accommodates rodents up to 5 kg per chamber layer and supports batch processing of up to 24 adult mice or 12 rats per cycle. Chamber dimensions (W×D×H: 520 × 420 × 380 mm) comply with AVMA-recommended minimum volume-to-animal mass ratios. All operational parameters—including gas concentration ramp rates, dwell times, and final saturation thresholds—are programmable within ranges validated against AVMA 2020 euthanasia criteria and the European Commission’s Guidance on Humane Killing Methods (SANTE/2021/11295). Device firmware logs timestamped event records (door status, CO₂ setpoint, actual concentration, pressure, temperature) for GLP-compliant audit trails. Optional integration with LIMS via RS-485 or Ethernet enables electronic signature capture and 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data archiving.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control interface runs on a deterministic real-time OS with dual redundancy: primary touchscreen HMI (7″ resistive LCD) and secondary emergency rotary dial + LED status ring. All protocols are stored in non-volatile memory with SHA-256 checksum verification. Event logs export as CSV or PDF with embedded digital signatures; metadata includes operator ID, protocol version, chamber ID, and calibration certificate expiry. Audit trail functionality satisfies ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.10.3 (data integrity) and supports retrospective review during AAALAC accreditation inspections or institutional IACUC audits.
Applications
- Terminal endpoints in chronic toxicity studies (OECD 407, 408)
- Tissue harvesting for single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, and metabolomics where drug residues would confound analytical sensitivity
- Standardized euthanasia prior to necropsy in infectious disease models (BSL-2/3 containment compatibility)
- Training modules for veterinary students and animal care staff on AVMA-aligned humane endpoints
- High-throughput phenotyping pipelines requiring rapid, repeatable subject termination without cross-contamination risk
FAQ
Does the 8160B2K require external CO₂ supply or built-in gas cylinders?
It is designed for connection to centralized lab CO₂ lines (regulated at 2–3 bar); optional integrated 10-L aluminum cylinder kit available with pressure regulator and flashback arrestor.
Can protocols be customized for neonatal or geriatric animals?
Yes—users may define custom CO₂ ramp profiles, dwell durations, and endpoint thresholds based on age, strain, and physiological status, with validation templates provided in the Operator Manual.
How is chamber decontamination performed between cycles?
Chambers support vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization cycles; stainless steel surfaces withstand 1 N NaOH washes and 70% ethanol immersion per IATA and WHO biosafety guidelines.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Standard Ethernet port enables SNMP-based network monitoring; optional OPC UA server module allows integration into facility-wide BMS or SCADA systems.
What documentation is provided for regulatory submissions?
Factory calibration certificates (NIST-traceable sensors), IQ/OQ protocol templates, and a full Declaration of Conformity covering EMC, LVD, and RoHS directives are included with shipment.
