This protocol establishes minimum requirements for the design, construction, and performance
of laboratory animal biocontainment systems with individually ventilated caging. These systems
are intended to provide personnel, product, and environmental protection; reliable operation;
durability and structural integrity; and cleanability. As such, they protect workers and the
environment from infectious agents being utilized in animal studies. At the same time, they are
used to protect each cage of animals from unintended exposure to contaminants from the
laboratory or other cages.