Evaluation of Proficiency Validation Results for Air Change Rate Testing in Laboratory Animal Facilities
10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2024.101
- VernacularTitle:实验动物设施换气次数检测能力验证结果评价
- Author:
Wei LIU
1
;
Xinyan ZHANG
1
;
Fengtian HOU
1
;
Zhongkan XU
1
;
Liying MA
1
Author Information
1. National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Laboratory animal;
Cleanroom;
Air change rate;
Proficiency validation;
Air flow hood
- From:
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine
2025;45(1):87-95
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective By organizing and implementing a laboratory proficiency validation plan for air change rate testing, this study aims to explore proficiency testing approaches in laboratory animal facilities, assess the current status of relevant laboratories regarding standard application and test capabilities, standardize air change rate testing methods, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Methods From September to November 2023, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) organized a laboratory proficiency validation plan for air change rate testing in laboratory animal facilities (Plan Number: NIFDC-PT-417). The proficiency testing was conducted on-site and consisted of two parts: a written test and practical operation. The written test was open-book. True/false questions focused on participants' understanding of specific clauses in relevant standards, while application-based questions assessed their ability to handle data processing in simulated testing scenarios. The practical operation was conducted according to the relevant criteria of the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). Two laboratory animal rooms were prepared as proficiency testing samples using a sample splitting approach. These rooms underwent uniformity and stability testing according to CNAS requirements and were approved. Participating laboratories were required to conduct three tests on each of the two laboratory animal rooms, complete the testing and calculation of air change rate within the specified timeframe, and submit their test result reports and original records. Results A total of 27 laboratories registered and participated in the proficiency testing. All participating laboratories submitted their results within the designated timeframe, and the outcomes of all tested laboratories were rated as satisfactory. Conclusion This proficiency validation program objectively and scientifically evaluates the air change rate testing capabilities of selected domestic laboratories, effectively promoting the overall improvement of testing capabilities in the industry. It provides technical support for regulatory authorities to standardize testing institutions and offers reliable references for the purchase of testing services. Through this activity, it was identified that some laboratories need to further enhance their calibration of instruments and the utilization of calibration results. Future efforts should focus on refining related standards to improve the accuracy and reliability of testing.
