Mouse Identification
| Service | Vendor(s) | Provider | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ear Punch | Roboz Surgical Instruments Co., Inc. Braintree Scientific, Inc. |
Provided by The Jackson Laboratory | $4.43 Each |
| Ear Tag (Metal ID Tag) | National Band and Tag Company Jorgensen Labs |
Provided by The Jackson Laboratory | $4.43 Each |
| LabStamp® Tail Tattoo — Black Ink LabStamp® Tail Tattoo — Green UV Ink |
SOMARK Innovations Inc. | Provided by The Jackson Laboratory (general tail tattoo information) |
$8.63 Each |
| UID Microchip Implant* UID MiniMax Microchip Implant |
UID Identification Solutions | Provided by The Jackson Laboratory | $13.80 Each |
| Microchip Insertion | -- | Provided by Customer | $24.19 Each |
| RapID Ear Tag | RapID | Provided by The Jackson Laboratory | $8.23 Each |
Services do not include price of the animal, shipping or container charges
* This product is temporarily unavailable for use on immune compromised strains. Please contact Technical Support for additional information
Product Information
Ear Punch
Ear notches or holes produced by an ear punch device. Used for wean age or older mice to create a unique identifier. Common ear numbering systems:
- Universal mouse numbering system (pdf), unique identifiers for all animals in your colony
- Alternative numbering system (pdf), unique identifiers for a single litter within one cage
Ear Tag
A metal ID tag placed in the mouse ear pinna with a special applicator. For mice wean age or older.
LabStamp® Tail Tattoo
FDA-approved pigment on the tail to identify post wean mice. Consult your institution's ACUC for accepted protocols. Please click here for additional information on the LabStamp® Tail Tattoo system from SOMARK Innovations Inc.
UID Microchip Implant
The UID microchip implant (UID Product# UC-1485) is a small subcutaneous implantable RFID device for 100% positive identification from wean age to adult mice. UID microchips are MRI, Gamma/X-Ray and Ultrasound compatible. Each microchip maintains a unique alpha numeric ID, along with programmable on-board memory. A hands-free scanner makes the ID and study related information readily available and easily accessible. The readers can be integrated into any LIM system or computer. Mice may need to be anesthetized or sedated for implantation. Consult your institutional ACUC guidelines.
UID MiniMax Microchip Implant
UID's MiniMax microchip (UID Product# UC-1283) offers the same benefits and instrument compatibility as the larger microchip while reducing the area of injection by 25% and occupying 25% less space within each mouse.
For a direct comparison of the two UID RFID microchips, please expand the table below.
UID RFID Microchip Technical Data Chart
| UID Transponder Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item Name | MiniMax Programmable Transponder | Mouse Programmable Transponder |
| Item # (SKU) | UC-1283 | UC-1485 |
| Applications/Use | Animal ID | Animal ID |
| Mouse Size | Small mice and larger | Medium mice and larger |
Technical Specifications |
||
| Diameter | 1.2mm | 1.4mm |
| Length | 8.3mm | 8.5mm |
| Weight | 0.026g | 0.027g |
| Volume | 9.86mm3 | 13.10mm3 |
Injection |
||
| Sterile/non-sterile | Sterile - ETO | |
| Preloaded in cannula (Y/N) | 304SS, Triple ground, sterile cannula | |
| Injection Needle | 17.0 gauge (1.45mm O.D.) 0.0585" ± .001" OD x 0.52" ± .001" ID X 1.693" ± .035" LONG | 15.5 gauge (1.99mm O.D.) 0.078" ± .001" OD x 0.057" ± .001" ID X 1.693" ± .035" LONG |
| Programmable | Yes - 1-16 character ID code | |
RFID Protocol |
UI Devices |
|
| Operating Frequency | 134.2 kHz | |
| RFID | Programmable (Read/Write) | |
| Unique ID (i.e., 32bit) | Unique, non-repeating, alpha-numeric ID code (32 bits) | |
Material |
BIO GLASS 8625 |
|
| Biocompatibility | Glass encapsulated | |
| Anti-migration coating | No coating | |
Mechanical Resistance |
Vibration test IEC 68.2.6 Shock IEC 68.2.29 |
|
For more information - see our FAQ:
UID RFID FAQ
What is a RFID microchip?
A RFID (short for “radio-frequency identification”) microchip is a small implantable device that is often used to store information in a fixed location. The microchip is activated when a RFID reader emits a signal to read the information stored on the chip. Without the reader, the chip is inactive.
What is a remnant tag?
A remnant tag is a subdermal RFID microchip that remains with a mouse through the time of delivery. At JAX, the remnant tag is used to store and remit specific animal identification information. A customer receiving a mouse with a remnant tag may also utilize the RFID microchip for internal animal tracking by using an appropriate RFID reader. Otherwise, the chip will remain inactive for the remaining lifespan of the mouse.
What size is the remnant tag?
The tag is cylindrical and approximately 8.3mm L x 1.2mm D.
How is a mouse impacted by a remnant tag?
Each RFID microchip is implanted into the back of the mouse between the scapulae. The chip has been tested to remain permanently below the skin without resulting in lesions and be successfully scanned by an RFID reader. Each mouse is expected to live normally until sacrifice or death.
When is the remnant tag active?
A RFID microchip is only activated when solicited for information by a RFID reader. No information is transmitted without activation.
Why use a RFID microchip over an alternative like an ear tag?
In some situations, ear tags are ineffective for tracking animal identity. This is especially apparent in younger colonies where ear sizes are small and, thus, tagging space is limited. By implanting a microchip, JAX researchers can track individual mice at an earlier age, do so more ergonomically, and ensure the long-term identity of each mouse is secure.
What mice will include the remnant tag?
Initially, two mouse strains (002810 & 006494) have been prioritized. RFID microchipping is also available for other strains upon request via this mouse identification page (see above).
Does the remnant tag cost more?
The price of mice requiring a remnant tag will not increase as a result of this change. JAX reserves the right to update pricing for mice and services, when deemed necessary.
Is the remnant tag safe for the mouse?
Yes. JAX has tested the RFID microchips for safety of the mouse and accuracy of stored data. The chips show no measurable impact on animal health, are confirmed safe in multiple phenotyping platforms, and are considered generally to be MRI-safe.
Because research outside of JAX can involve different equipment and methods, JAX recommends additional safety validation tests be performed by each client.
Microchip Insertion
Customer supplies device or implant. All devices or implants must be shipped directly from the manufacturer. Please contact customer service at orderquest@jax.org for details on shipping and handling.
RapID Ear Tag
RapID Ear Tags are humane, automated, mini-ear tags providing fast and accurate identification for lab animals. The hardened 2-D data matrix codes scan instantly with 100% accuracy providing millions of unique IDs. Multiple colors allow immediate secondary (visual) identification without scanning. RapID Ear Tags are totally MRI and autoclave compatible, and are minimally invasive (no surgery required).