The COVID-19 crisis significantly impacted laboratory animal research, with many institutions being forced to severely reduce research studies, personnel, and the numbers of research animals onsite. As research personnel return to their labs and navigate the post COVID-19 research landscape, they will still need to operate at limited capacity to comply with social distancing and other state mandate guidelines. As a result, researchers will need to revisit their research practices with a focus on minimizing reliance on physical presence at specific locations, automating data management and workflows, improving and streamlining processes, and digitizing paper-based and in-person tasks.

The integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to lab processes will prove essential for thriving in the post-crisis environment. RFID technologies in the form of small RFID microchips and labels enable accurate identification and contactless tracking of laboratory animals, equipment, and supplies. Advances in RFID-enabled devices provide a means for passive data collection, improved laboratory automation, and remote monitoring of laboratory animals.

This webinar will describe the use of RFID technologies for laboratory animal research, with a focus on a new smart cage system that allows continuous and remote monitoring of temperature and activity in group-housed rodents, as well as accurate and automated animal census. In addition, we will discuss how RFID technology is used to track assets such as controlled drugs for accurate accountability and paperless reporting.