Decontamination of laboratory spaces and research equipment is critical to avoid harboring potential pathogens and cross-contamination between animals
All surfaces and equipment in laboratory areas should be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant with documented activity against non-enveloped viruses
Spor-Klenz is the recommended disinfectant to be used for lab decontamination of viral agents
A spray bottle of Spor-Klenz can be obtained from your OAR Facility Supervisor for laboratory use
Spor-Klenz is effective for 7 days after mixing; return the spray bottle for a replacement at least every 7 days
NOTE: Spor-Klenz requires 10 minutes of WET CONTACT TIME to effectively disinfect; spraying and immediately wiping the surface will remove dirt but does NOT kill viral agents
Attention should be given to decontamination of shelves and materials stored above workspaces, in addition to the workspace itself
Decontamination of Equipment
Equipment which can be autoclaved or cold sterilized with chemical agents should be sterilized (surgical autoclave settings, or according to chemical sterilant instructions)
Items which can tolerate immersion should be cleaned with Spor-Klenz as described above, ensuring at least 10 minutes of wet contact time with the disinfectant
Contact your facility veterinarian for guidance regarding decontamination of equipment which cannot be sterilized or wetted for 10 minutes
Equipment and Materials Used in the Animal Room
Laboratory personnel may enter the quarantined housing room(s) for necessary procedures which can be performed within the housing room
Bring only critical materials which can be thoroughly decontaminated (autoclaved or immersed in Spor-Klenz) into the quarantined room
Avoid bringing papers, pens, electronics, or other materials which cannot be decontaminated; if notes are required, enclose papers and writing utensils in plastic bags which can be decontaminated and will NOT be subsequently opened outside of the quarantined room
Disinfect all cart surfaces where you may manipulate animals/cages prior to use
After handling animals, disinfect all surfaces (including equipment and room carts) which may have had contact with the mice and/or their caging, using Spor-Klenz
Before leaving the quarantined room, disinfect all materials which will be removed (instruments, sample containers, plastic-enclosed notes), ensuring 10 minutes wet contact time as described above
After return to lab, autoclave instruments and use chemical sterilants for all materials which can tolerate sterilization
Label any frozen tissue samples to be stored clearly to indicate potential pathogen contamination; pre-printed labels may be obtained from your facility veterinarian on request