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SOP 14.27 - Using Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat for a Safe Supplemental Heat Source for Rodents

University Animal Care Committee Standard Operating Procedure

Document No: 14.27

Subject: Using Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat for a Safe Supplemental Heat Source for Rodents

Date Issued: March 26, 2025

Revision: 0

Location: Queen鈥檚 University

Responsibility: Principal Investigators, Research Staff, Veterinary Staff

Purpose: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to describe the operation of the Vivosun Seedling temperature-controlled seedling heat mat for supplemental heat support for rodents.

 

Abbreviations: 

Individually Ventilated Cage IVC

1. Introduction and Definitions:

Providing supplemental heat support to rodent caging using a cost-effective seedling heat mat as a safe alternative to a heat lamp.

Each procedure room will have a seedling heat mat labelled with the procedure room number and must NOT be removed from the procedure space.

Do not place rodent directly on seedling mats as this could potentially cause serious burns. These mats are for the sole purpose of providing supplemental safe heat for caging only.

2. Materials:

  • Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat with temperature control
  • Individually Ventilated Cage

3. Procedures:

  • It is up to the user to inspect the power cord and seedling mat surface to make sure it is in good condition (no rips or tears)
  • Plug seedling mat into outlet
  • On the thermostat set dial to 38 degrees Celsius
  • Allow mat to reach temperature (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Position IVC cage so that approximately 陆 the cage floor is in contact with the heat (this allows the rodent to move towards or away from the heat source)
  • Animals must be monitored while recovering from any procedures and while supplemental heat is being provided.
  • Once animal is recovered, unplug seedling heat mat and return animal to holding room.

AALAS 2025 poster 鈥淐omparison of Seed Starter Mat to Circulating Warm Water Blanket for Rodent Heat Support鈥

Samantha Glaspell, RLATG, Rebecca Welch Jernigan, DVM, DACLAM, Tara Cotroneo, DVM, DACLAM Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Vice President for Research West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

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SOP 14.27 - Using Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat for a Safe Supplemental Heat Source for Rodents

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