ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Facility Environment and Management 1

Question 1

What is the recommended temperature range for most laboratory rodent housing rooms?

Accepted Answer

64–79°F (18–26°C)

Answer

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends a temperature range of 64–79°F (18–26°C) for most rodent species, balancing their thermoregulatory needs and research consistency.

Question 2

Which air pressure relationship is maintained in a barrier animal room to prevent contamination from entering?

Accepted Answer

Positive pressure relative to the corridor

Answer

Barrier rooms are kept at positive pressure relative to the corridor so that air flows outward when doors are opened, preventing unfiltered outside air and potential contaminants from entering the clean animal space.

Question 3

What is the standard recommended number of air changes per hour (ACH) for animal housing rooms?

Accepted Answer

10–15 ACH

Answer

The Guide recommends 10–15 fresh air changes per hour in animal rooms to dilute odors, ammonia, allergens, and microorganisms and maintain air quality for both animals and staff.

Question 4

Why is a consistent light/dark cycle important in a laboratory animal facility?

Accepted Answer

It regulates animals' circadian rhythms and can affect research outcomes

Answer

A consistent photoperiod (typically 12 hours light/12 hours dark) regulates circadian rhythms governing hormone levels, behavior, and metabolism. Disruptions can introduce variables that compromise research data.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of an antechamber (or airlock) at the entrance to a barrier animal room?

Accepted Answer

To provide a transition zone that minimizes contamination when entering or exiting

Answer

An antechamber acts as a buffer zone between the corridor and the animal room, allowing personnel to don PPE and preventing direct airflow exchange between the two areas, thereby reducing contamination risk.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Facility Environment and Management 1