Science Inventory

A Novel Water Delivery System for Administering Volatile Chemicals while Minimizing Chemical Waste in Rodent Toxicity Studies

Citation:

McDonald, A., P. Killough, E. Puckett, D. S. BEST, J. E. Simmons, J. G. PRESSMAN, AND M. G. NAROTSKY. A Novel Water Delivery System for Administering Volatile Chemicals while Minimizing Chemical Waste in Rodent Toxicity Studies. Laboratory Animals. The Royal Society of Medicine Press, London, Uk, 44(1):66-68, (2010).

Impact/Purpose:

To inform the public.

Description:

Rodent toxicity studies typically use water bottles to administer test chemicals via drinking water. However, water bottles provide inconsistent exposure of volatile chemicals due to varying headspace, as well as lead to excessive waste of test material. In order to refine drinking water toxicity studies in rodents by enhancing sample quality and consistency, and minimizing waste, we designed and implemented a novel water delivery system that keeps the water chilled, headspace free, and protected from light. Materials used were resistant to chemical interaction. In this gravity-fed system, a 6-L Teflon® water bag, stored in a polystyrene cooler on the cage rack, was connected to a stainless steel manifold delivering water to five cages via specialized drinking valves. Due to the absence of headspace in the water bag, this system allows consistent exposure of volatile chemicals. In addition, small diameter tubing throughout the system reduces the amount of test material residing in the system and minimizes chemical waste.