Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS Review

Let’s Dive into Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS represents a significant investment in the accuracy and efficiency of metabolic research involving murine subjects. Manufactured by Tecniplast, this cage system aims to provide researchers with a reliable and autoclavable environment for the precise separation and collection of fecal and urine samples, crucial for detailed metabolic analysis. Its unique design focuses on minimizing urine wash-over and facilitating easy sample retrieval, promising to streamline data acquisition and enhance the integrity of research findings.

My research team needed a reliable and precise method to collect and analyze metabolic data from multiple mice simultaneously. We specifically required a cage system that minimized cross-contamination between urine and feces, which had been a consistent problem with our previous setups. The Tecniplast cage system seemed to offer a robust solution to this issue, promising enhanced accuracy and reduced sample loss.

Upon unboxing, the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS impressed me with its robust construction and thoughtful design. The polycarbonate components felt durable and well-made, and the stainless-steel elements added a sense of longevity and reliability. The nonwetting PMP funnel and cone design were particularly intriguing, hinting at the system’s capacity for precise sample separation.

Prior to selecting the Tecniplast system, we considered the Harvard Apparatus Metabolic Cage and the Columbus Instruments Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System (CLAMS). While the Harvard Apparatus cage was significantly cheaper, it lacked the capacity for housing multiple mice together and seemed less refined in its sample separation mechanism. The CLAMS system offered comprehensive monitoring capabilities beyond metabolic analysis, but its higher cost and complexity made it overkill for our specific research needs.

My first impression of the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS was one of cautious optimism. The cage appeared well-engineered and addressed many of the shortcomings of our existing systems, but its high price tag meant that its performance would need to justify the investment.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS to the Test

First Use Experience

We initially tested the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS in our controlled-environment vivarium, simulating standard laboratory conditions with consistent temperature and humidity. We monitored the mice for 24 hours, carefully observing their behavior and the effectiveness of the fecal and urine separation system. The cage system was used to measure baseline metabolic parameters.

The Tecniplast system performed exceptionally well under these controlled conditions. The nonwetting funnel and cone design effectively separated feces and urine, minimizing cross-contamination and ensuring the accuracy of our sample collection. The mice appeared comfortable within the cage environment, and the external collection tubes simplified the process of sample retrieval without disrupting the animals.

The cage was very intuitive to use. A quick read of the manual was sufficient to understand the assembly and operation. The only minor issue we encountered was initially overfilling the food hopper, which led to some spillage.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS has proven to be a reliable and durable system. We’ve subjected it to rigorous cleaning and autoclaving cycles, and the polycarbonate and stainless-steel components have shown no signs of degradation. The cage also went through some testing with variations of temperature.

The cage has demonstrated excellent durability, with no noticeable wear or tear on any of its components. The polycarbonate remains clear and resistant to staining, and the stainless-steel parts have not corroded despite repeated exposure to cleaning solutions. The ease of disassembly and reassembly also contributes to the system’s long-term maintainability.

Cleaning and maintaining the cage is a breeze. The smooth surfaces and removable components make it easy to remove debris and disinfect the entire system. Compared to our previous cages, the Tecniplast system has significantly reduced the amount of time and effort required for routine maintenance.

Compared to our previous metabolic cage systems, the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS has exceeded our expectations in terms of accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. The improved sample separation and simplified maintenance have allowed us to collect more precise data with less effort, ultimately accelerating our research progress.

Breaking Down the Features of Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Tecniplast. This detail provides assurance of quality and adherence to laboratory standards.
• Quantity: 1. This means one complete cage system is included in the purchase.
• Capacity: Designed for three or more mice. This allows for group housing, potentially reducing stress on the animals and increasing the efficiency of data collection.
• Material: Polycarbonate cage body, stainless steel floor supports and water bottle support, and nonwetting PMP funnel and cone. These materials offer durability, autoclavability, and resistance to chemical degradation.
• Collection System: Unique nonwetting PMP funnel and cone design for automatic separation of feces and urine. This is crucial for accurate metabolic monitoring without urine wash-over, which is a common source of error in metabolic studies.
• Collection Tubes: Exterior collection tubes that twist off easily. This design allows for convenient and non-disruptive sample retrieval.
• Feeder: Polycarbonate feeder designed to discourage animals from sleeping in the dish. This is important for maintaining food hygiene and ensuring accurate food intake measurements.
• Water Bottle Support: Stainless steel water bottle support with a graduated spillage collection tube. This feature enables accurate measurement of fluid intake and waste.
• Floor Supports: Stainless steel floor supports with grid openings specific to animal comfort and size. The grid design allows for efficient waste drainage and helps to maintain a clean environment for the mice.
• Autoclavability: All cage components are fully autoclavable. This is essential for maintaining sterility and preventing cross-contamination between experiments.

These specifications are crucial for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and ethical conduct of metabolic research. The choice of materials, the design of the collection system, and the provision of a comfortable and hygienic environment for the animals all contribute to the overall quality of the research data.

Performance & Functionality

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS excels in its primary function: the accurate and reliable separation and collection of fecal and urine samples from multiple mice. The nonwetting funnel and cone design effectively prevents urine wash-over, a common problem with traditional metabolic cages, leading to more precise measurements of metabolic parameters. The ease of sample retrieval and the system’s compatibility with standard laboratory procedures further enhance its performance.

The cage’s strengths lie in its accurate sample separation, ease of use, and durable construction. A potential area for improvement could be the addition of more precise volume markings on the urine collection tubes for easier direct measurement. Overall, the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS meets and often exceeds our expectations for a high-quality metabolic cage system.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS is designed with both the researcher and the animals in mind. The polycarbonate cage body is lightweight yet durable, and the stainless-steel components provide stability and corrosion resistance. The overall design is clean and functional, facilitating easy access to the animals and simplifying the cleaning process.

The cage system is highly user-friendly, requiring minimal training to set up and operate. The external collection tubes and accessible food and water hoppers further enhance the system’s ergonomics.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in a laboratory setting. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that it will last for years with proper care and maintenance. The quality material and the robust construction are the key features here.

The cage is easy to disassemble, clean, and autoclave, making it a low-maintenance system. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the integrity of the system and preventing the buildup of contaminants.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS comes with all the necessary components for basic metabolic monitoring, including collection tubes, food and water hoppers, and floor supports. While there are limited customization options available directly from Tecniplast, the cage is compatible with standard laboratory equipment such as automated fluid dispensers and metabolic monitoring systems. There are other parts of the systems that can be reconfigured.

The standardized dimensions and materials also make it possible to adapt the cage to specific research needs using custom-designed accessories. This flexibility allows researchers to tailor the system to their specific experimental protocols.

Pros and Cons of Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS?

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS is perfect for researchers and laboratories conducting detailed metabolic studies on murine models. The cage is perfect for those who require accurate sample separation, reliable performance, and group housing capabilities. These researchers will benefit most from the cage’s capabilities.

This product may not be suitable for researchers with limited budgets or those who only require basic metabolic monitoring. In this case, a less expensive alternative might suffice.

A must-have accessory is an automated fluid dispenser for precise monitoring of water intake. This can enhance the accuracy of metabolic measurements.

Conclusion on Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS

The Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS is a top-of-the-line metabolic cage system that delivers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. While the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits in terms of improved data quality and reduced labor costs make it a worthwhile investment for serious researchers. This is because the product is built to last.

The high price is justified by the system’s superior performance, durable construction, and the ability to house multiple mice. It’s a justifiable expense for the reasons above.

I would highly recommend the Tecniplast, Metabolic Cage for Three or More Mice, 3700M022-01CS to any laboratory seeking a reliable and accurate metabolic monitoring system. Invest in your research, and you won’t be disappointed!