ALAT Facility Environment and Management 2

Question 1

What is the recommended number of air changes per hour (ACH) in a conventional laboratory animal room?

Accepted Answer

15–20 ACH

Answer

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends 15–20 air changes per hour in conventional animal rooms to maintain air quality.

Question 2

Which type of ventilated cage system draws air through a filter into the cage interior, creating a positive pressure environment relative to the room?

Accepted Answer

Individually ventilated cages (IVC) in supply mode

Answer

IVCs in supply (positive-pressure) mode push HEPA-filtered air into the cage, protecting immunocompromised animals from environmental pathogens.

Question 3

A technician notices condensation forming on the interior walls of an animal room. This MOST likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Relative humidity is too high

Answer

Condensation on walls indicates excessive relative humidity, which can promote microbial growth and must be corrected.

Question 4

Under the Guide recommendations, what is the acceptable relative humidity (RH) range for most laboratory animal species?

Accepted Answer

30–70%

Answer

The Guide recommends maintaining relative humidity between 30–70% to support animal health and comfort.

Question 5

Which lighting schedule is commonly used for rodents to standardize circadian rhythms in a research setting?

Accepted Answer

12 hours light / 12 hours dark

Answer

A 12:12 light-dark cycle is the standard photoperiod used for most laboratory rodents to regulate circadian biology.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Facility Environment and Management 2