In preclinical research, the 3Rs remain central to animal welfare, but they’re not the only consideration. At Somark, we’re focused on driving innovation that protects everyone involved in the science, from the animals under study to the people who care for them, worldwide.

Traditional means of identifying lab animals are arguably outdated, and for lab rodents, they offer unique disadvantages. Some of the most common methods include ear notching or ear punching, by which the rodent’s ear is punctured to present the animal’s ID number. This methodology is cheap to perform; it can be performed on adolescent animals and offers immediate identification to laboratory researchers. This is a permanent solution that induces stress in the animal (and perhaps the researcher), increases the risk of infection, and can become difficult to read over time. Ear tags are a common choice, but not for the right reasons. These methods run the risk of harming the animal handlers and the lab technicians, as performing the notches can cause issues such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Researchers handling unrestrained animals increase the risk of animal bites.

We’re changing our focus this time. As part of our ongoing “Protecting Those Behind the Science” campaign, we’re taking a closer look at how our solutions enhance lab technician safety in animal research. It’s a conversation that’s long overdue.

From Risk to Refinement: A Technician’s Reality

Technicians and rodent handlers are highly skilled professionals, but their day-to-day comes with risks. Traditional animal ID methods, while familiar, often expose teams to unnecessary strain and potential injury. There is prevalent awareness that needle-sticking injuries often go unreported in a laboratory setting. However, there are numerous statistics that represent the danger that animal handlers face in their day-to-day work life. In Ontario, Canada, alone, a survey found 93% of veterinary animal handlers experienced at least 1 needle-sticking injury, with 3.5% needing medical attention, and most reports went unreported.  With Digitail, these risks are mitigated by using Somark’s unique rodent immobiliser that restrains the rodent. This enables the lab technician to inject RFID tags into the animal without running the risk of bites while also ensuring minimal stress on the animal.

There is a clear and prevalent issue when handling animals in controlled environments.

Common challenges can include:

  • Bites and scratches during restraint.
  • Needle sticks from uncooperative animals.
  • Awkward wrist angles leading to Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Two-person procedures increase labour and inconsistency.
  • Additional stress from chemical restraint or back-based tagging.

For facilities aiming to refine their processes, these risks highlight a growing need to prioritise lab technician safety in animal research environments. And that’s where Somark’s approach offers a paradigm shift from vulgar puncture wounds to simple, safe and efficient methods on offer by Somark Innovations.

Innovative RFID Tagging That Prioritises Lab Technician Safety and Animal Welfare

Our Digitail™ system has always been driven by refinement, not only for animals, but for the people responsible for their care. While the animal welfare benefits are well established, Digitail™ also offers major gains for lab technician wellbeing and operator safety.

Here’s how it’s redefining safe identification:

Magnetic Red Dome Restraint for Safe Rodent Immobilisation

Used in millions of procedures globally, our magnetic red dome restraint gently immobilises rodents during tagging, no anaesthetic required. 

It’s designed to:

  • Reduce animal stress
  • Prevent bite risks
  • Enable accurate one-person operation
  • Lower variability across procedures

The red dome is built with your lab rodent cohorts in mind, but also puts the safety of your staff at the forefront. For facilities focused on improving lab technician safety in animal research settings, this restraint tool provides both confidence and consistency.

Ergonomic RFID Injector: Less Strain, More Precision

The Digitail™ Injector, Somark’s patented handheld delivery system, was engineered with handler health in mind. Held in a natural wrist position, it supports long-term technician wellbeing and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Benefits include:

  • Minimised wrist twisting during injections
  • Light, linear activation
  • Retracting the needle to reduce stick risk
  • Reliable performance over 1,000+ uses

These design features directly address the occupational risks faced by lab staff, including conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It’s a small refinement with a major impact. 

Safer Animal ID Workflows for Lab Technicians

Digitail™  is built to be easy to learn and straightforward to use. Technicians no longer need to be trained with lengthy courses or certifications with Digitail™.  At Somark Innovations, we have simplified the process from start to finish:

  • Tags are pre-loaded for quick application
  • No shaving or glueing required
  • Smallest gauge needle in the industry (21g)
  • Tail injection reduces trauma
  • Visual tag confirmation through the skin
  • Fast, contactless reads using UHF technology

In fast-paced research settings, these efficiencies translate into fewer injuries, more standardised results, and safer handling procedures, a win for both welfare and workflow.

Training and Support for Lab Technician Safety in Animal Research

Beyond innovative tools, Somark is committed to helping take your research further. Somark offers straightforward support to empower lab technicians in adopting safer practices. Appropriate use of identification systems like Digitail™ requires minimal training, and with Somark, we’re always on hand to offer support throughout your partnership with Somark Innovations.

This commitment ensures technicians not only benefit from ergonomic design and reduced risks but also feel fully supported in their day-to-day roles. By combining technology with education, we help foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, reinforcing the vital role lab technician welfare plays in advancing responsible animal research.

Refining Animal Research for Lab Technician Safety and Welfare

At Somark, we believe that better science happens when everyone involved is protected. That’s why every tool we design considers both animal comfort and lab technician safety.

Digitail™ represents a refined approach to RFID identification, one that reduces procedural severity for animals, while making tasks safer, easier, and more ergonomic for humans.

When technicians are safe, supported, and confident in their tools, the science benefits too. Learn more about how Somark Innovations’ cutting-edge technology is improving the lives of not just your rodents but also your laboratory staff.

Join the Conversation at AALAS 2025

We will be attending the AALAS National Meeting in Long Beach from November 9-13, where we will showcase Digitail™ and engage in discussions about lab technician safety in animal research. Visit our booth to see the system in action and discover.

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