ALAT Ethics in Animal Research 4

Question 1

Which federal law is the primary legislation governing the use of animals in research in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

Answer

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), enacted in 1966 and amended several times, is the primary federal law regulating the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, and transport.

Question 2

An IACUC inspection reveals that an animal room has inadequate ventilation causing distress to the animals. What is the IACUC's appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately suspend all research in that room until corrected

Answer

When an IACUC identifies a condition causing animal distress, the committee has authority and responsibility to immediately suspend activities until the issue is corrected.

Question 3

The concept of 'Replacement' in the 3Rs framework refers to which practice?

Accepted Answer

Using non-animal methods or lower-sentience species instead of traditional animal models

Answer

Replacement means using methods that avoid or replace the use of animals, such as cell cultures, computer models, or substituting less sentient organisms.

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the ethical principle of 'Refinement'?

Accepted Answer

Switching from manual blood collection to a less invasive automated system that reduces animal stress

Answer

Refinement involves modifying procedures to minimize pain and distress; switching to a less invasive collection method directly reduces animal suffering.

Question 5

A researcher asks an animal care technician to perform a procedure not listed in the approved IACUC protocol. What should the technician do?

Accepted Answer

Decline to perform the procedure and inform the researcher it requires IACUC approval

Answer

All animal procedures must be covered by an approved IACUC protocol; technicians should not perform unapproved procedures regardless of who requests them.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Ethics in Animal Research 4