ALAT Documentation and Record Maintenance

Question 1

What document is physically attached to or placed in front of each animal cage to provide quick identification information?

Accepted Answer

Cage card

Answer

A cage card is attached to each enclosure and contains key information such as species, strain, sex, date of birth, study/protocol number, and PI name. It allows technicians to identify animals and verify husbandry requirements at a glance without accessing central records.

Question 2

Under the USDA Animal Welfare Act, how long must a research facility retain records of animal acquisition and disposition?

Accepted Answer

3 years

Answer

9 CFR Part 2 of the Animal Welfare Act requires dealers and research facilities to maintain records of regulated animal acquisition, disposition, and care for a minimum of 3 years, and they must be available for USDA inspection at any time.

Question 3

A technician notices a sentinel animal appears lethargic and has ruffled fur. What is the FIRST documentation action?

Accepted Answer

Record the observation in the health monitoring log with date and time

Answer

The immediate first step is to document the clinical observation — including date, time, animal ID, and description of signs — in the health monitoring log, then notify veterinary staff. Documentation before or concurrent with notification establishes a time-stamped record critical for health investigations.

Question 4

Which of the following is a regulatory record that research facilities must submit annually to the USDA?

Accepted Answer

Number of animals used, classified by species and pain/distress category

Answer

USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations require annual reports documenting the number of regulated animals used, categorized by species and by pain/distress classification (Categories B through E). This report is a core compliance requirement and is subject to inspection.

Question 5

Under FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, how must a correction be made to a paper animal record?

Accepted Answer

Draw a single line through the error, note the reason, date, and initial it

Answer

GLP regulations (21 CFR Part 58) require that errors be corrected by drawing a single line through the incorrect entry so it remains legible, then adding the correct information, the reason for the change, the date, and the initials of the person making the correction. Erasures or use of correction fluid are prohibited.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Documentation and Record Maintenance