An Exhaust Hood for Animal Perfusions

Animal perfusion is a common technique in the physiology research laboratory and typically involves the use of aqueous formaldehyde. Depending on the specific procedure conducted, the animal studied, and availability and efficiency of local ventilation systems, these procedures may create occupational over-exposure to formaldehyde, a regulated carcinogen. We report the design and performance of a local exhaust hood specifically developed for primate and small mammal perfusion. The hood facilitates this and other related procedures, while providing laboratory workers with a high degree of protection against exposure to formaldehyde and an inherent barrier against spills or splashes of potentially infectious material.