LAS Blog

Elevating Cleanliness in the Vivarium: Why Contec’s Process Improvement Program is a Game-Changer for Research Facilities

Written by Contec Lab Animal Science | Dec 4, 2025 1:00:01 PM

Let’s face it—when you're running a research facility, keeping things clean isn’t just part of the job, it’s critical. The health of your animals, the integrity of your research, and the safety of your team all depend on it. That’s exactly why Contec created the Process Improvement Program, featuring our Complimentary Contamination Control Assessment (CCA)—a powerful, no-cost service designed to help vivariums improve cleaning processes, reduce contamination risks, and work more efficiently. 

 

 

A Strategic, No-Cost Assessment That Delivers Real Results 

The CCA is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. It’s a collaborative, on-site consultation led by Contec’s contamination control experts, who bring more than 30 years of industry experience to your facility. Together, we evaluate your current cleaning protocols, identify areas for improvement, and provide clear, actionable recommendations. 

Here’s what the process looks like: 

PLAN 

We work with your team to define objectives, prioritize processes to assess, and map out your facility’s layout. This step ensures the recommendations will align with your unique biosafety level, animal population, and facility constraints. 

OBSERVE 

Our specialists walk the grounds, observe cleaning practices in real-time, and engage with staff. This critical phase uncovers inefficiencies, product mismatches, or procedural inconsistencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

REPORT 

We deliver a detailed written report that includes: 

  • Process improvement opportunities 
  • Recommended cleaning tools and disinfectants 
  • Estimated time and labor savings 
  • Suggested workflow enhancements 
  • Customized SOPs and purchasing guidance 

This documentation becomes a roadmap for operational excellence—with clear steps to enhance both compliance and efficiency. 


 

 

Supporting Research Integrity Through Cleanliness 

A cleaner vivarium isn’t just about appearances. It’s about protecting the animalsresearch staff, and scientific data. Cross-contamination, improper disinfection, or inconsistent cleaning can compromise studies and introduce variables that skew results. By optimizing cleaning processes, the Contec CCA helps research facilities: 

  • Maintain consistent and reproducible environments 
  • Reduce exposure to pathogens and allergens 
  • Ensure compliance with IACUC, AAALAC, and other regulatory bodies 
  • Support the well-being of lab animals, which is directly tied to research reliability
     

Enhance Your Facility with Purpose-Built Tools 

The Process Improvement Program also includes tailored product recommendations that integrate seamlessly into your operations. Two standouts include: 

FoamIt™ Cleaning Systems 

A flexible cleaning solution ideal for primate and large animal housing areas or any location where water access is limited. FoamIt dramatically reduces FTE hours and simplifies the disinfection process—delivering consistent, efficient cleaning performance. 

 

 



Peroxigard® Disinfectants 

Trusted by leading vivariums, Peroxigard uses Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP®) for fast, powerful, and safe disinfection. It’s compatible with a wide range of surfaces and designed for high-traffic animal care areas, making it the ideal solution for maintaining hygiene without compromising research or safety. 



Don’t Wait to Improve Your Facility  

Whether you manage a rodent housing room, a primate enclosure, or a multi-species research facility, Contec’s Process Improvement Program can help you identify better ways to protect your animals, your staff, and your science. 
 
At Contec, we don’t just deliver recommendations and walk away—we build lasting partnerships. After your assessment, our team stays connected with yours. We often say we’re your “infection control phone-a-friend”—ready to support you whenever challenges arise, whether it’s an outbreak, surface compatibility concern, or adapting to new species. Think of us as an extension of your team—always just a call or email away, committed to helping you maintain the safest, cleanest environment possible.

 

Ready to get started?

Schedule your assessment today and take the first step toward a cleaner, safer, and more efficient vivarium.