Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Animal Husbandry and Care 1 Flashcards
6 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Animal Husbandry and Care 1 flashcards as text
What is the recommended relative humidity range for most laboratory rodent housing areas?
Answer: 30–70%
A relative humidity of 30–70% is the accepted standard for most laboratory rodent facilities. Levels below 30% can cause ringtail in rats and mice, while levels above 70% promote microbial growth and respiratory disease.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of an environmental enrichment program for laboratory mice?
Answer: To promote species-typical behaviors and reduce stress
Environmental enrichment provides objects and opportunities that allow animals to express natural behaviors such as nesting, burrowing, and hiding. This reduces stress-related behaviors and improves animal welfare, which also supports more reproducible research outcomes.
How often should automatic watering systems in rodent housing rooms typically be checked by animal care staff?
Answer: Daily
Automatic watering systems should be inspected daily to confirm that valves are functioning, lines are not blocked, and animals have continuous access to water. A malfunctioning valve may deprive animals of water for hours without obvious external signs.
When changing soiled bedding in a rabbit cage, which material property is most important to verify before use?
Answer: The bedding is free of aromatic oils and chemical treatments
Cedar and pine shavings contain aromatic hydrocarbons that induce hepatic enzymes and can alter drug metabolism, compromising research data and harming animal health. Bedding must be confirmed free of such chemical treatments before use with laboratory animals.
A technician notices that a group-housed rat has a bite wound on its flank. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Remove the injured animal, provide first aid per institutional protocol, and notify the veterinary staff
An injured animal must be removed from the group promptly to prevent further attack and to receive appropriate veterinary care. Documenting the injury and notifying veterinary staff ensures proper treatment and allows the veterinarian to assess whether the wound requires medical intervention.
What is the primary reason laboratory animal facilities use a light cycle timer to maintain a fixed photoperiod?
Answer: To synchronize reproductive and physiological cycles and maintain consistent research conditions
Many physiological processes in rodents — including hormone secretion, reproductive cycling, and behavior — are regulated by circadian rhythms tied to the light-dark cycle. A consistent, controlled photoperiod reduces variability in experimental data and maintains normal animal physiology.