Sentinel mouse program
The RIKEN BRC has adopted the sentinel mouse program, a specialized approach with the microisolator cage system. A sentinel mouse cage containing four mice is laid on a microisolator cage rack and small pieces of bedding material from all cages of the rack are collected and placed in the sentinel mouse cage. One mouse from a sentinel cage are subjected to in-house examination at regular intervals.
We classify the microorganisms into four classes according to the risk presented to the mouse in Japan. All sentinel mice are tested for class A and B. Sentinel mice kept in the room for immuno-deficient mice are screened for class C as well. Class D contains certain pathogens believed not to exist in the Japanese mouse colony; therefore, mice are examined only at the request and expense of the recipient.
* The health reports of 3-A,B in July 2024 were corrected because there was an error in the description. If you have any question, please contact us.