Facility Environment and Management 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 Environment and Management flashcards as text
Which of the following is a SECONDARY containment measure for infectious agents in an animal biosafety level 2 (ABSL-2) facility?
Answer: The animal room itself (physical structure)
The animal room is considered secondary containment; primary containment includes the cage and BSC used during procedures.
When decontaminating an animal room after an outbreak, which agent is considered effective against most bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens on hard non-porous surfaces?
Answer: Diluted bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at appropriate dilutions is a broad-spectrum disinfectant effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi on hard surfaces.
What is the recommended maximum noise level in animal holding rooms according to the Guide?
Answer: 85 dB
The Guide recommends keeping noise levels below 85 dB to prevent auditory and physiological stress in laboratory animals.
A vivarium receives a shipment of new animals. What is the standard practice before introducing them to existing colonies?
Answer: Quarantine and health-monitor them in a separate area
Quarantine allows health monitoring and pathogen screening to prevent introduction of disease into established colonies.
Which of the following environmental factors has the GREATEST direct influence on reproductive performance in laboratory rodents?
Answer: Photoperiod (light cycle)
Photoperiod strongly regulates reproductive hormones and cycles in rodents; irregular lighting disrupts breeding performance.
In a barrier animal facility, the autoclave used to sterilize incoming supplies is BEST described as part of which system?
Answer: Material transfer and decontamination
The autoclave is a key component of the material transfer and decontamination system that prevents introduction of pathogens through incoming supplies.
Why is it important to monitor room temperature continuously rather than just checking it once daily in a rodent facility?
Answer: HVAC failures can cause rapid temperature swings that harm animals
HVAC failures can cause rapid, dangerous temperature fluctuations; continuous monitoring enables early detection and corrective action.