University of Florida Improves Lab-Animal Tracking

For labs without Wi-Fi network coverage throughout their research facilities, the mobile interrogator can store the data until it receives a Wi-Fi signal, or until it is plugged into a PC and can download the information through an Ethernet link.

Suppliers or distributors of genetically engineered mice could also employ the Dynasys system to better track the animals and their movement by monitoring where cages are located in the laboratory, Scher says, and when they are shipped out. In addition, the system could be expanded to retain additional data about the progress of the research itself, including storing data about each mouse's health condition and the type of research being done.

Bob Scher

Over the past year, Battles says, "we've seen an increase in revenue" with the RFID system, by reducing such errors as housing a cage of mice without billing for them. He adds that "the researchers are confident in what we're doing. There is no longer a question of accuracy in billing." Eliminating billing errors, Battles estimates, has increased revenue by about 20 percent. The system will also make it easier for the university to expand its animal-care facilities, he adds, with the capability of housing up to 30,000 cages over the next two years.

Since the system was launched, other universities and private scientific research laboratories have visited the campus to view the cage tracking in action,Battles says.

According to Scher, the Dynasys solution uses a customized version of Dynasys' warehouse-management software, tracking rodent cages in a manner similar to how distribution centers track crates and pallets in warehouses. This application, he claims, "is very unique and very cost-effective."