SAGE™ Labs: perfectly equipped to support your research

  • Specific pathogen-free (SPF) facility
  • Comprehensive health monitoring program
  • State-of-the-art microinjection equipment
  • Sophisticated cage and rack system

SAGE™ Labs utilizes state-of-the-art barrier facilities for housing of all laboratory mice and rats. Technicians follow carefully written and approved Standard Operating Procedures when working in, and moving about, the barrier facility. Moving between rooms in the facility is carefully controlled with numerous restrictions in place. Supplies can only enter the barrier facility after decontamination and through a dedicated entry portal. Each barrier facility room is treated as a self-contained unit, with its own airflow system and dedicated equipment. In addition, individually ventilated rack systems are utilized to host the Immune-comprised and controlled lines inside the production rooms.

SAGE™ Labs – Boyertown, formerly known as Ace Animals, was acquired in March 2010. The Boyertown site has been AAALAC accredited since 2001 and continues to maintain full accreditation status since acquisition. The most recent triennial visit in February 2011, supports and applauds the high standard of husbandry, production, and operations by reporting no suggestions for improvement in any areas.

Health Quality

Data reproducibility and consistency require use of laboratory mice and rats in research that are free from pathogenic organisms. SAGE™ Labs is committed to an extensive health monitoring system as part of our comprehensive quality control program. We are fully dedicated to providing both health monitoring data as well as a complete description of our health monitoring program in order to give you confidence in the quality of our research models. Contact us at info@sageresearchmodels.com for more details.

SAGE™ Labs utilizes a quarterly sentinel program to survey the health status of our animal colonies to identify unexpected infection. The sentinels are exposed to colony animals’ dirty bedding for eight to twelve weeks, enough time for animals to develop antibodies. The stock used for sentinel monitoring for both the serological and diagnostic test are the outbred immune-competent Sprague Dawley rats. Other lines may be used, at your request, with the proper veterinary approval.

Genetic Quality

Genetic integrity and avoidance of genetic contamination is best controlled by as few individuals as possible within the process of genetic identification, balanced with control procedures taking place to double check for any human errors. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a highly effective and reliable method, is used to ascertain an animal’s genotype. Simple and easy-to-read identification systems have been developed at SAGE™ Labs to obtain a biopsy and sort out the desired animals when genotyping is complete. This combination of quality assurance, along with rigid procedures for housing and handling, guarantees confidence in the genetic integrity of all transgenic models at SAGE™ Labs.

Training

AAALAS training programs are utilized to provide our staff with ongoing professional development in animal health, husbandry, and genetics. Technicians remain in compliance with OLAW policies and are encouraged to seek professional certifications. Our experienced personnel pass on their knowledge and training to the rest of the staff, who must adhere to Standard Operating Procedures for all handling of animals. In addition to professional veterinary staff, an IACUC committee provides oversight for the entire SAGE™ Labs operation.