Laboratory Animal Medicine Services

DLAM would like to assist you and your lab in performing the best quality research. We have several core pieces of equipment available for research use. The following list describes each piece of equipment/service. For additional information, please contact Dr. Teresa Liberati or Andrea Willis in Research Core Services, Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine main office at (217)545-3053.

HEMATOLOGY ANALYZER

The Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine has the capability of performing on-site blood analysis. The VetScan HM2 by Abaxis is a fully automated instrument which performs complete blood counts (CBC’s). The CBC measures 18 different parameters, including counts for: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Unlike many hematology systems, the HM2 can test a variety of species – including mice, rats, and guinea pigs. Only 75ul of EDTA preserved whole blood are needed for each sample. Results are printed out on 8.5”x11” paper. If sent to an outside lab, prices range from $35 to $50, not including shipping charges and supplies.  Submission forms are located on the DLAM home page and are required with each batch. Please email completed submission forms to Andrea Willis one week in advance of submitting samples.  Pricing information.

MOBILE ANESTHESIA SYSTEM

The Rodent Surgery Setup is a mobile anesthesia system for mice and rats. The RC2 Rodent Anesthesia System by VetEquip has the capability of running up to 6 animals at once. The rental fee includes a supply of oxygen, isoflurane, a hot bead sterilizer, a heated platform, and a large magnification light. The Rodent Surgery Setup is available for use in the procedure rooms in DLAM or in your lab. Please contact Andrea Willis two days in advance to reserve this equipment. Click here for pricing information.

ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZER

The AN74i by Anderson Products is a tabletop Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer. Ethylene oxide can be used to sterilize sensitive equipment that could not otherwise be adequately sterilized. Instruments frequently sterilized by EtO include: plastic instruments, rubber and plastic tubing, electrical equipment, surgical staplers/staples, and anesthesia masks and circuits. Items should be wrapped, ready to sterilize, and labeled when submitted. In addition to the 12 hour run time, most items need to aerate for a minimum of 24 hours before they are ready to use. Please fill out an Ethylene Oxide Request form and submit at least 3 days before itmes are needed for use. Please contact Andrea Willis for more information.

X-RAY IRRADIATOR

The Rad Source Technologies RS 2000 Biological Research X-ray Irradiator is designed specifically as a non-isotope replacement for cesium (Cs-137) irradiators being used for the irradiation of small animals, cells, tissue, and other research purposes. The RS 2000 is a self-contained unit that provides 160kV operation at 25mA and uses a simple touch screen for easy programming. The dose rate delivered to an animal cage is ~110 rads/min (110cGy/min), and the dose uniformity exceeds 95%. Due to the dose uniformity, animals are free to move about in the animal cage during irradiation. For cell and tissue work, a movable shelf allows for dose rate adjustment from 800 to 1,200 rads/min (8-12 Gy/min) using unfiltered radiation. Typically for well plates and similar items, the average dose rate is 1,000 rads/min (10 Gy/min) with a 20.5 cm diameter field. A current, approved RCC application, LACUC protocol, and Cabinet X-ray Radiation Safety Training are required. Contact Joel Reichensperger in the Office of Radiological Control (217) 545-9745 for more information.

XENOGEN - IVIS LUMINA

The IVIS(r) Lumina Series II brings together leading optical imaging technologies into one easy to use and highly sensitive bench-top system. The IVIS Lumina II is capable of imaging both fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters. The system is equipped with multiple filter sets that can be used to image reporters that emit from green to near-infrared. Superior spectral unmixing can be achieved by Lumina II's optional high resolution short cut off filters. Interested persons should sign up for a training session with Melissa Roberts, Research Imaging Facility, (217) 545-7186. Click here for pricing information.