Specific-Pathogen-Free

Specific-pathogen-free (SPF, German: specific pathogen free ) referred to in the laboratory animal and cell culture technology, the absence of certain pathogens (pathogens), such as bacteria , fungi and viruses . The Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA, the umbrella organization of European societies for laboratory animal science ) has included in its recommendations for the health monitoring of rodent and rabbit colonies in breeding and experimental units, in: Laboratory Animals, 2002) published several lists of pathogens for which certain animal species should be examined.

There is a particularly high level of hygiene in SPF areas . The staff enters the area via locks (changing rooms, air showers or wet showers) and may only stay in this low-germ environment with protective clothing, for example to care for the animals or to take animals for an experiment. This area is sealed off from the outside world by further material locks . Through them, previously autoclaved cages, feed bags, water bottles or similar enrichment are introduced .

In the SPF area there is a slightly higher air pressure (per level outside world → work area / supply corridor → animal room approx. 50 Pa) so that no germs from the outside world can penetrate inside when the locks are opened. Rodents such as mice, rats and hamsters are usually kept , often in laminar flow cabinets such as Scantainers or in individual ventilated cages (IVC). Animals such as sheep, goats, mini pigs and domestic pigs are also less common.