Digital technology in the home cage is the future, but until now there has been no single solution that fits all research needs. Current solutions have required a very large per-cage-slot investment with little flexibility, a steep learning curve, and limited practical results.
To address this, Allentown, LLC has partnered with Unified Information Devices (UID) to deliver a practical approach: a proven home cage monitoring solution in a scalable framework designed to fit a range of needs and budgets.
“The Home Cage Monitoring system was developed to address the challenges researchers face when evaluating temperature and activity in socially housed mice,” said Matt Ruiter, Chief Scientific Officer with UID. “Using RFID and novel software, the system permits continuous and remote monitoring of digital biomarkers — temperature and activity — for one or multiple mice in their home cage environment.”
Using the Home Cage Monitoring system, valuable research data can be collected automatically in real-time (24/7), including during dark phases. In addition to removing experimenter bias, the system can help improve study outcomes by enabling frequent and accurate measurements of progressive behavioral and physiological changes over time in the same animal.
“Integrating UID’s Mouse Matrix Technology with Allentown’s state-of-the-art Rodent Housing Systems was an important step for both companies,” said John M. Coiro, Chief Executive Officer for Allentown. “Our partnership will help research facilities automate data collection, streamline processes, and improve workflow efficiency.”
About Unified Information Devices
Unified Information Devices (UID) designs and manufactures RFID identification products — microchips, readers, home-cage monitoring systems, and controlled-substance tracking — for pre-clinical research, veterinary care, and fish & wildlife work. UID is headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and assembled in the USA.
Get in Touch to learn more about the Home Cage Monitoring system.