microbiome_hood_MEC's.docx

The minimum essential characteristics (MECs) for a hood/workstation for the microbiome holding room are as follows:

1. The unit must consist of a HEPA filtered hood with internal working space, round transfer port with sealable access door for the sterile transfer of materials into and out of the hood, and a dunk tank type sterilization device for sterilizing cages to be transferred into the hood.

2. The unit must provide a working area of at least 52x20’’, inside the filtered enclosure

3. The work surface must be illuminated by built in fluorescent or LED lights and will also contain a UV lamp for disinfection.

4. The round transfer port must be able to accommodate the pass through of 1245 Isocage cages.

5. The dunk tank sterilization device must be compatible with 1245 Isocage cages.

6. The dunk tank sterilization device must have interlocking doors, preventing the accidental opening of both doors simultaneously.

7. The dunk tank must have its own disinfectant solution reservoir and provisions to send exhaust air through the system’s HEPA filters.

8. The dunk tank must have a drain valve, allowing for the complete emptying of disinfection solution.

9. The dunk tank must not require a water line connection and must be able to be manually filled.

10. The hood must contain at least two pre-filters, one intake air HEPA filter, and one exhaust air HEPA filter.

11. The hood must contain a connection port for a H2O2 generator.

12. The unit must not require hookup to the building’s HVAC system. The unit must provide its own air handling ability.

13. The unit must have a user operable control panel to control hood air flow, lighting, H2O2 decontamination modes, and dunk tank cycle.

14. The unit must have built in wheels to allow it to be more easily moved.

15. The unit must also have feet, to hold the nit securely in place while in use.