By being a node of the National Imaging Facility (NIF), PIRL is renowned as a state of the art large animal research imaging facility with access to a network of imaging specialists, locally and around Australia.
The PIRL site has multiple OGTR-certified facilities to support a range of work with transgenic organisms (including animals), gene therapies and vaccine vectors.
A Large Animal Holding Facility is adjacent to the surgical and imaging suites, making PIRL a complete package for commercial GLP or research projects. This is comprised of:
- Five large surgical theatres
- Surgical support areas
- 25 acres of paddocking for the holding of large animals
- QC1/PC2 certified paddocks, indoor holding and surgical theatres for projects involving imported material or genetically modified animals requiring this level of containment by Department of Agriculture and Water Resources/OGTR
- Post-surgery progress from indoor pen holding, to undercover pens, to paddocks.
- Designated post-mortem room
- 45 person meeting room with AV equipment
- Computer access, office space and access to amenities (kitchen and shower) for researchers
Recently, PIRL has refurbished several dedicated Small Animal Holding Areas. These include:
- Small Animal Facility (SAF; conventional housing)
- PC2 holding
- Germ-Free
- Quarantine Approved Premises (QAP)
The PIRL site has both indoor and outdoor Quarantine Approved Premises (QAP). A QAP is a facility approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (formerly DAFF/AQIS) for the purpose of receiving, storing and dealing with materials that are subject to quarantine. Our research support team can offer advice for import requirements and applications.
QAP facilities include:
- QC1/PC2 Surgical theatres
- QC1/PC2 Indoor large animal holding
- QC1/PC2 large animal grazing facility (paddock)
- QC1 laboratory space and storage
- QC2/PC2 Small animal holding
- QC2/PC2 laboratory space including a biosafety cabinet