Project Type: Labs & Medical Research Facilities

Project Detail: Vivarium- Vibration

The Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, PA

The Wistar Institute is an independent research institution in Philadelphia, specializing in biomedical research and the development of vaccines for rabies, rubella, and rotavirus, and the identification of genes associated with breast, lung, and prostate cancer. In their vivariums, they were having an issue with the mice who had stopped breeding at their expected rate. Throughout the building, there are multiple laboratories and holding rooms with varying degrees of susceptibility to vibration from both interior and exterior sources. The HVAC and other mechanical systems in the building as well as the elevators, activities at the loading docks, and trolleys running underground were all suspected to be affecting the laboratory environments.

Our scope of work on this project involved an initial site survey to discuss and establish the proper locations for our monitoring equipment and other logistics. Because of the number of rooms and locations, the project was broken down into phases, with continuous monitoring being conducted over a span of seven days in a limited number of locations each time. This allowed us to gather data on typical vibration events and record any anomalies to determine if there are any patterns that need further investigation. When testing was complete, the data was compiled, analyzed, and presented to Wistar representatives.