Laboratory
The LARC laboratories are defined as BS level II diagnostic type consisting of various divisions. All divisions are provided with controlled room temperature and humidity along with dust control and clean environment. Dedicated general, chemical and cold storage spaces are allocated in the laboratory division. All sections are equipped with hand-held fire extinguishers, chemical, biological spill kit along with first aid and wash stations. Laboratory division comprises of a safety team to monitor and manage the current laboratory activities and to meet out the future needs, in addition the well trained laboratory technical team is encouraged to interact with scientist, PI, researchers and students of various disciplines.
The laboratory division of LARC is mainly involved in conducting in-house diagnostic tests only for the vivarium animals to maintain it as a SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) facility. The diagnostic routine comprises of both the facility environmental surveillance for Bio-contamination and Health monitoring for the detection of pathogens in the vivarium animals. Environmental monitoring involves testing the water quality, surface area of the animal holding rooms and the animal cages and racks, while the health monitoring is done by serology and PCR methods after collecting samples from the animals. The panel of pathogens and the frequency of testing are decided based on FELASA recommendations.
The laboratory section has dedicated and experienced staff of microbiologist, molecular biologist, technologists headed by Lab Manager to carry out all the routine diagnostic tests. Additionally, the laboratory team also work with the practicing veterinarian and animal technicians for development of new test methods and validations.
LARC Lab provides the following services for the vivarium:
- Environmental monitoring
- Water Testing
- Microbiological Testing
- Health monitoring (Pathogen Detection)
- Microbiology
- Serology - ELISA
- Real time PCR
- Histopathology
- Parasitology
LARC laboratories are equipped with state of the art equipment and accredited by ISO 17025 and A2LA for water quality testing and pathogen detection method.
LARC laboratory supports research activities such as Exercise physiology, cardiovascular and cancer and molecular studies.
