ALAT Facility Environment and Management 4

Question 1

Which federal regulation establishes minimum standards for the handling, housing, and care of certain laboratory animals in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

Answer

The Animal Welfare Act, enforced by USDA/APHIS, establishes minimum standards for the care and use of regulated laboratory animals.

Question 2

A technician is asked to perform cage changes in a room housing germ-free mice. Which of the following procedures is MOST critical?

Accepted Answer

Working inside a laminar flow hood or biological safety cabinet

Answer

Germ-free animals must be handled inside a BSC or laminar flow hood to prevent any microbial contamination.

Question 3

What does the term 'macroenvironment' refer to in laboratory animal facility management?

Accepted Answer

The overall room environment in which cages are housed

Answer

The macroenvironment refers to the conditions within the animal room (temperature, humidity, lighting, noise) as opposed to the microenvironment inside the cage.

Question 4

Sentinel animals in a rodent colony are used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Monitor the colony for the presence of pathogens

Answer

Sentinel animals are exposed to soiled bedding from the colony and tested periodically to detect infectious agents that may be present.

Question 5

In a research facility, pest control measures must be designed to:

Accepted Answer

Control pests without compromising animal health or research integrity

Answer

Integrated pest management (IPM) in research facilities must control pests while ensuring that methods used do not harm animals or interfere with research.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Facility Environment and Management 4