About
iSpecies, offered through AIMS Lab Animal Tattoo Identification, is a comprehensive animal identification system designed for research laboratories. It addresses the critical need for reliable, permanent, and cost-effective identification of lab animals such as mice, rats, and larger species used in scientific studies. The system centers around a suite of specialized tattoo instruments — including the ATS-3 General Rodent Tattoo System for mouse and rat tails, the NEO-9 Neonate Rodent Tattooing System for P0 to P15 neonate mice and rats, and the ATS-3L Large Lab Animal Tattoo System suitable for ears, chest, inner arms, thighs, and other skin locations. Each instrument is purpose-built for accuracy, minimizing animal stress while delivering legible, lasting identification marks. Beyond hardware, AIMS Lab provides training resources, equipment care guidance, an overview of the science behind tattooing identification, and a photo gallery to help labs implement the system confidently. The solution is used by animal research facilities, veterinary institutions, and academic research labs that require consistent tracking across animal cohorts. With direct ordering support and phone/fax-based customer service, iSpecies targets laboratory animal technicians, research scientists, and facility managers who prioritize animal welfare compliance alongside data integrity.
Key Features
- Multi-Species Tattoo Systems: Offers dedicated instruments (ATS-3, NEO-9, ATS-3L) for tattooing rodents of all ages and larger lab animals in various body locations.
- Neonate-Specific Identification: The NEO-9 system is purpose-built for tattooing neonatal mice and rats from P0 to P15, ensuring early and reliable identification.
- Permanent & Cost-Effective ID: Tattoo-based identification is a lasting alternative to ear tags and other methods, reducing ongoing costs and improving traceability.
- Training & Equipment Support: Provides researcher training, equipment care guides, and scientific overviews to help labs implement the system correctly and safely.
- Flexible Application Sites: The ATS-3L system supports tattooing on ears, chest, inner arms, thighs, and other skin areas for large lab animals.
Use Cases
- Permanently identifying individual mice and rats in long-term behavioral or pharmacological research studies.
- Tattooing neonate rodents at birth to enable precise tracking of developmental cohorts from postnatal day 0.
- Marking large laboratory animals (e.g., rabbits, ferrets) on multiple body sites for multi-year studies.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance in IACUC-approved animal research by providing reliable, auditable animal identification.
- Reducing ongoing identification costs in vivarium facilities by replacing recurring ear tag or dye-based methods with permanent tattoos.
Pros
- Permanent Identification: Tattoo marks last the lifetime of the animal, eliminating the risk of lost tags or faded markings that compromise research data integrity.
- Broad Species & Age Coverage: Dedicated systems cover neonatal rodents through large lab animals, making it suitable for diverse research programs.
- Comprehensive Support Resources: Training, equipment care, and scientific documentation help facilities adopt the system with confidence and regulatory compliance.
Cons
- Physical Equipment Required: The system relies on specialized hardware that must be purchased, maintained, and properly operated by trained staff.
- Limited Digital Integration: As primarily a physical identification system, it may require additional software or databases for full digital animal record management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals can iSpecies tattoo identification systems be used on?
The systems support mice, rats (including neonates P0–P15), and large lab animals. The ATS-3 targets rodent tails, the NEO-9 is for neonates, and the ATS-3L works on ears, chest, arms, thighs, and other skin areas of larger animals.
Is tattooing safe for newborn (neonate) rodents?
Yes. The NEO-9 system is specifically engineered for safe tattooing of neonate mice and rats from postnatal day 0 (P0) to day 15 (P15), minimizing stress and ensuring legible marks.
How does tattoo identification compare to ear tags?
Tattoos are permanent and cannot be lost or fall off as ear tags sometimes can. They are generally considered more reliable for long-term studies and are cost-effective over the animal's lifetime.
Does AIMS Lab provide training for using the equipment?
Yes. AIMS Lab offers training resources, equipment care guidance, and scientific documentation to help lab staff use the systems correctly and confidently.
How can I order iSpecies equipment?
Products can be ordered directly through the AIMS Lab website at animalid.com, or by contacting them via phone (607-324-6752) or fax (607-324-6753).
