During the 2000 IAT Congress in Edinburgh Ray Pitts from Tecniplast UK gave a presentation on the cost efficiency resulting from the extensive use of IVC systems as opposed to static filter top cages, so called "micro-isolators".
In fact no matter what the microbiological and practical benefits are, one of the typical perceptions surrounding IVC's is the high capital cost.
This is very often scaring at the first impact facility managers and financial people.
However somebody in charge of a large "IVC" facility once said that using ventilated cages, as opposed to static cages, reduced their direct personnel labor costs by 40 to 65 percent, resulting in a 20 to 35 percent savings in mouse husbandry costs, ultimately savings $ 1.000.000 per year.
The intention of this survey is to explore further the subject in order to identify and, possibly, quantify all the cost factors differing between static filter tops and IVC cages such as:

• Heating-Ventilation-Air-Conditioning capital costs such as coolers, humidifiers, pumps, etc;
  
• HVAC yearly running costs;
  
• Labor costs for cage changing and processing through the facility;
  
• Raw material and energy costs.

The result is a very simple and versatile model which can be adopted to any situation where effective and efficient financial management of a research site is an ongoing task and money a very limited source granted on a pay back basis only!
A major portion of our data was obtained through inquiries directed at individuals within the research community that utilise these systems, various manufacturers of research equipment and independent consultants.