Facility Operations and Sanitation Flashcards
7 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 7 Facility Operations and Sanitation flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a dirty-to-clean workflow in an animal facility?
Answer: To prevent cross-contamination from soiled materials to clean areas
Dirty-to-clean workflow ensures that soiled caging and bedding move in one direction, preventing transfer of pathogens to sanitized equipment.
Which temperature range is generally recommended for autoclave sterilization of animal facility equipment?
Answer: 121°C for 15-20 minutes at 15 psi
Standard gravity-cycle autoclaving at 121°C (250°F) for 15-20 minutes at 15 psi is the accepted standard for sterilizing laboratory animal facility equipment.
What does the term 'macroenvironment' refer to in an animal facility context?
Answer: The conditions of the room surrounding the caging
The macroenvironment refers to the conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality) in the room or secondary housing space surrounding the primary enclosures.
When should cage wash equipment such as tunnel washers be validated for cleaning efficacy?
Answer: Annually and after any major repair or modification
Cage washers should be validated upon installation and re-validated annually or after significant repairs to ensure consistent sanitization performance.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is most critical when handling chemical disinfectants in an animal facility?
Answer: Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection
Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are essential to protect against splashes and dermal exposure when handling disinfectants.
What is the recommended minimum number of air changes per hour (ACH) in a conventional laboratory animal room?
Answer: 10-15 ACH
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends 10-15 air changes per hour in conventional animal rooms to control odors and maintain air quality.
Which method is used to confirm that an autoclave reached adequate sterilization conditions?
Answer: Biological indicators using spore strips
Biological indicators containing resistant bacterial spores (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus) are the gold standard for confirming sterilization efficacy.