ALAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ALAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Who first formally proposed the Three Rs framework for ethical animal use? → William Russell and Rex Burch in 1959
2. What should an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician do if they observe a protocol deviation that compromises animal welfare? → Report the deviation to the IACUC or a supervisor immediately
3. What is the typical estrous cycle length for a mouse? → 4-5 days
4. Which condition is characterized by overgrown incisors in rodents? → Malocclusion
5. What is the primary function of the cecum in rabbits? → Fermentation of fibrous plant material
6. An ALAT is caring for a pregnant doe (female rabbit). What is the typical gestation period the technician should expect for this animal? → 30-33 days
7. What is the ethical basis for requiring alternatives searches before approving protocols? → To ensure non-animal methods are used when they can replace, reduce, or refine animal use
8. Which of the following environmental factors is considered a component of the macroenvironment in an animal facility? → The light intensity and cycle in the animal room
9. Why avoid disturbing a mouse dam's cage in the first 48 hours after birth? → Disturbance can cause the dam to cannibalize pups due to stress
10. What is the normal respiratory rate range for an adult mouse? → 60-220 breaths/min
11. What is the recommended relative humidity range for most laboratory animal housing areas? → 30-70%
12. Which of the following best describes the purpose of using an analgesic in post-procedural animal care? → To relieve pain and improve animal welfare
13. According to safe sharps handling practices in a laboratory animal facility, what is the proper procedure for disposing of a used needle and syringe? → Place the uncapped needle and syringe directly into a designated sharps container.
14. Before administering any experimental compound to a laboratory animal, the ALAT should verify: → That the compound has been approved by the IACUC protocol
15. Which of the following is a permanent method of animal identification commonly used for rodents? → Ear tagging
16. What PPE should an ALAT typically wear for routine cage changes? → Lab coat or scrubs, gloves, eye protection; N95 respirator if working with allergens
17. Why is it important for an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician to have good observational skills? → To effectively identify subtle changes in animal behavior or health
18. When an animal's pain or distress cannot be adequately alleviated, what action should be considered? → Euthanasia to prevent further suffering
19. Which of the following best describes a transgenic mouse? → A mouse whose genome has been altered to contain foreign DNA or modified genes
20. What is the appropriate first response if an anesthetized animal's respiratory rate drops significantly below normal? → Administer a reversal agent if available and provide ventilatory support
21. What ventilation system provides HEPA-filtered air to individual cages and maintains cage-level containment? → Individually ventilated caging (IVC)
22. Which blood collection site is most commonly used for routine sampling in mice? → Submandibular vein
23. What is the correct method to confirm a rodent is under adequate anesthesia before beginning a procedure? → Assess absence of response to a firm toe pinch
24. What is the normal body temperature range for a rabbit? → 38.5-40.0 C (101.3-104.0 F)
25. What is the recommended temperature range for housing laboratory mice according to the Guide? → 64-79 F (17.8-26.1 C)
26. Which of the following is an ethical responsibility of an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician? → Reporting any signs of animal mistreatment or distress
27. Which of the following is an essential component of an environmental enrichment program for laboratory animals? → Providing opportunities for species-typical behaviors
28. What does the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals represent? → The primary reference standard used by AAALAC and PHS for evaluating programs
29. What type of record-keeping is essential for an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician? → Detailed logs of animal care, treatments, and observations
30. What is the primary ethical principle guiding animal research? → Minimizing harm and distress to animals