ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Regulations and Compliance 1

Question 1

Which federal agency is responsible for conducting unannounced inspections of registered research facilities to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act?

Accepted Answer

USDA APHIS Animal Care

Answer

The USDA APHIS Animal Care program conducts unannounced inspections of AWA-registered facilities twice per year to verify compliance with AWA standards. OLAW oversees PHS Policy compliance but does not conduct physical inspections.

Question 2

Under the PHS Policy, an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must include at minimum how many members, and which role is always required?

Accepted Answer

At least 5 members, including a veterinarian and a community member not affiliated with the institution

Answer

PHS Policy requires a minimum of 5 IACUC members: a chair, a veterinarian with program authority, a practicing scientist, a non-scientist, and one member not affiliated with the institution. This composition ensures both scientific expertise and community oversight.

Question 3

The 'Three Rs' framework, which underpins modern laboratory animal welfare regulations, stands for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement

Answer

The Three Rs—Replacement (using non-animal alternatives when possible), Reduction (minimizing the number of animals used), and Refinement (improving procedures to minimize pain and distress)—are the foundational principles required by both the AWA and PHS Policy when designing animal studies.

Question 4

Under the Animal Welfare Act, which of the following species is explicitly EXCLUDED from AWA protections?

Accepted Answer

Rats of the genus Rattus bred for use in research

Answer

The AWA explicitly excludes birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, as well as farm animals used in agricultural research. Guinea pigs, rabbits, and cats are all covered species under the AWA.

Question 5

An institution's Animal Welfare Assurance with OLAW must be renewed or updated under which circumstance?

Accepted Answer

Whenever there is a significant change in the animal care and use program, such as a new Institutional Official

Answer

An institution must update its Animal Welfare Assurance with OLAW whenever there are significant programmatic changes, including a new Institutional Official (IO), changes in IACUC membership or structure, or major changes to facilities. OLAW must approve the updated Assurance before PHS-funded activities can continue.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Regulations and Compliance 1