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ACLAM practice questions

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Question 1Animal Resource Management

Which federal agency enforces the Animal Welfare Act regulations for most research animals in the United States?

  1. National Institutes of Health
  2. USDA APHIS Animal Care Correct answer.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  4. Food and Drug Administration

Explanation

The Animal Welfare Act is enforced by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) through its Animal Care unit, which conducts inspections and licenses research facilities. NIH and FDA have their own oversight roles for funded or regulated research but do not enforce the AWA. CDC addresses zoonotic disease and select agent issues.

Question 2Animal Resource Management

Under the Animal Welfare Act, which species is explicitly excluded from coverage?

  1. Rats Correct answer.
  2. Dogs
  3. Nonhuman primates
  4. Guinea pigs

Explanation

The AWA definition of 'animal' excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for research, as well as birds bred for research. Guinea pigs, dogs, and nonhuman primates remain covered. This exclusion means these rodents are not subject to AWA inspection or reporting, though other policies may apply.

Question 3Animal Resource Management

Which document must an institution submit to obtain a Public Health Service Animal Welfare Assurance?

  1. A list of all animal protocols
  2. A facility floor plan
  3. A completed grant application
  4. An Assurance of Compliance with PHS policy Correct answer.

Explanation

The PHS Animal Welfare Assurance is a formal document in which an institution commits to comply with the PHS Policy and describes its animal care and use program. It is submitted to the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). Grant applications and protocol lists are separate documents.

Question 4Animal Resource Management

What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

  1. To manage the animal facility budget
  2. To oversee and evaluate the institution's animal program, facilities, and procedures Correct answer.
  3. To train new animal care technicians
  4. To provide veterinary care for sick animals

Explanation

The IACUC is responsible for reviewing protocols, inspecting facilities, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies. It does not directly provide veterinary care, manage budgets, or conduct routine training, although it may oversee these areas. Its core function is oversight and evaluation.

Question 5Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a required member of the IACUC under the AWA regulations?

  1. A graduate student researcher
  2. A statistician
  3. A representative from the funding agency
  4. A nonaffiliated member who represents community interests Correct answer.

Explanation

The AWA requires the IACUC to include at least one member who is not affiliated with the institution and who represents general community interests. This member helps ensure public perspective in animal care decisions. Other listed roles are not required by regulation.

Question 6Animal Resource Management

How often must the IACUC conduct a full inspection of all animal facilities?

  1. Every six months Correct answer.
  2. Every twelve months
  3. Every three years
  4. Every two years

Explanation

The AWA and PHS Policy require the IACUC to inspect all animal facilities at least once every six months. This semiannual inspection helps ensure ongoing compliance and animal welfare. More frequent inspections are allowed but not required.

Question 7Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is an example of environmental enrichment for laboratory rodents?

  1. Increasing cage temperature
  2. Housing singly to prevent fighting
  3. Providing nesting material Correct answer.
  4. Restricting food access

Explanation

Environmental enrichment aims to enhance the animals' well-being by providing stimuli that encourage species-typical behaviors. Nesting material allows rodents to build nests, a natural behavior. Increasing temperature, restricting food, and single housing are not enrichment and may be detrimental.

Question 8Animal Resource Management

What is the primary purpose of a sentinel program in a rodent facility?

  1. To provide social housing
  2. To test new enrichment devices
  3. To breed transgenic mice
  4. To monitor for infectious agents Correct answer.

Explanation

Sentinel animals are housed with or exposed to bedding from colony animals to detect the presence of infectious agents. They are regularly tested to monitor the health status of the facility. They are not used for social housing, enrichment testing, or breeding.

Question 9Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a key responsibility of the attending veterinarian under the AWA?

  1. Conducting research protocols independently
  2. Approving the facility budget
  3. Providing adequate veterinary care and overseeing animal health Correct answer.
  4. Serving as the IACUC chair

Explanation

The attending veterinarian is responsible for the health and welfare of animals, including providing veterinary care and overseeing disease control and anesthesia/analgesia. Budget approval, independent research, and IACUC chair duties are not inherent responsibilities of the role.

Question 10Animal Resource Management

An investigator plans to use a procedure that may cause more than momentary pain in mice. What must the IACUC ensure before approval?

  1. That the procedure is performed without any pain relief
  2. That the mice are housed singly after the procedure
  3. That the procedure is repeated on at least three animals
  4. That analgesics or anesthetics are used unless scientifically justified Correct answer.

Explanation

The AWA and PHS Policy require that procedures with the potential to cause pain be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia unless the investigator provides a scientific justification for withholding them. Withholding pain relief without justification is not acceptable. Single housing and repetition are not requirements.

Question 11Animal Resource Management

Which of the following best describes the '3Rs' principle in animal research?

  1. Review, Regulation, Reporting
  2. Responsibility, Respect, Rigor
  3. Reuse, Recycle, Reduce
  4. Replacement, Reduction, Refinement Correct answer.

Explanation

The 3Rs stand for Replacement (using non-animal methods), Reduction (using fewer animals), and Refinement (minimizing pain and distress). These principles guide ethical animal use. The other options are not the 3Rs.

Question 12Animal Resource Management

What is the primary purpose of the Animal Welfare Act?

  1. To standardize breeding practices
  2. To ensure animals are used in research
  3. To promote international trade of animals
  4. To protect animals from unnecessary pain and suffering Correct answer.

Explanation

The AWA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for the care and treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Its goal is to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering. It does not promote animal use, standardize breeding, or address trade.

Question 13Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a required element of an animal protocol submitted to the IACUC?

  1. A detailed budget for the project
  2. A curriculum vitae of the principal investigator
  3. A list of all publications from the lab
  4. A rationale for the number of animals requested Correct answer.

Explanation

Protocols must justify the number of animals to be used, often through statistical justification or literature review, to support the principle of reduction. Publications, budgets, and CVs are not required protocol elements. The IACUC focuses on animal welfare and scientific justification.

Question 14Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is an appropriate method of euthanasia for mice according to the AVMA Guidelines?

  1. Carbon dioxide inhalation at a controlled rate Correct answer.
  2. Cervical dislocation without prior anesthesia
  3. Immersion in ice water
  4. Decapitation without prior anesthesia

Explanation

The AVMA Guidelines recognize controlled carbon dioxide inhalation as an acceptable euthanasia method for rodents when performed properly. Decapitation and cervical dislocation without prior anesthesia are conditionally acceptable only under specific circumstances and with justification. Ice water immersion is not an acceptable method.

Question 15Animal Resource Management

What is the recommended maximum interval between IACUC protocol reviews for ongoing studies?

  1. Every five years
  2. Every three years Correct answer.
  3. Every year
  4. Every two years

Explanation

The PHS Policy and AWA require that the IACUC review and approve protocols at least every three years. This is often referred to as the three-year de novo review. More frequent reviews may be required by the institution or for specific circumstances.

Question 16Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a sign of pain or distress in a mouse that an animal care technician should report?

  1. Regular eating and drinking
  2. Piloerection and hunched posture Correct answer.
  3. Active exploration
  4. Increased grooming

Explanation

Piloerection (ruffled fur) and hunched posture are common signs of pain or distress in mice. Increased grooming, active exploration, and regular eating are generally normal behaviors. Recognizing these signs is essential for timely veterinary intervention.

Question 17Animal Resource Management

What is the purpose of a cage card in a rodent housing room?

  1. To identify animals and provide husbandry information Correct answer.
  2. To provide enrichment
  3. To serve as a food source
  4. To measure temperature

Explanation

Cage cards display essential information such as protocol number, investigator, animal strain, sex, and special care instructions. They help staff manage animals correctly and ensure proper husbandry. They are not enrichment, temperature monitors, or food.

Question 18Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a critical factor in preventing the spread of infectious agents in a rodent facility?

  1. Sharing enrichment devices without cleaning
  2. Using the same gloves for all cages
  3. Proper hand hygiene and changing gloves between cages Correct answer.
  4. Housing different strains together

Explanation

Proper hand hygiene and changing gloves between cages prevent cross-contamination. Reusing gloves, mixing strains, and sharing uncleaned enrichment can spread pathogens. Biosecurity relies on these basic practices.

Question 19Animal Resource Management

An IACUC is reviewing a protocol that proposes to use a paralytic agent without anesthesia in conscious animals. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Require the use of anesthesia or provide strong scientific justification Correct answer.
  2. Suggest reducing the number of animals
  3. Approve only if the agent is administered by a veterinarian
  4. Approve the protocol as submitted

Explanation

Paralytic agents do not provide pain relief and can mask signs of distress. Their use in conscious animals is generally unacceptable unless scientifically justified and approved with appropriate monitoring. The IACUC should require anesthesia or a compelling justification. Approval without conditions is inappropriate.

Question 20Animal Resource Management

A facility's sentinel program shows positive results for a contagious pathogen. What is the most appropriate immediate step?

  1. Continue normal operations
  2. Euthanize all animals in the facility
  3. Isolate affected animals and initiate an investigation Correct answer.
  4. Increase the frequency of cage cleaning

Explanation

Upon detection of a contagious pathogen, the facility should isolate affected animals, restrict movement, and investigate the source and extent of the outbreak. Continuing normal operations risks spread. Euthanizing all animals is extreme and not the first step. Increasing cleaning alone is insufficient.

Question 21Animal Resource Management

Which of the following best describes the principle of 'Refinement' in the context of animal research?

  1. Using fewer animals
  2. Replacing animals with non-animal methods
  3. Reusing animals for multiple protocols
  4. Minimizing pain and distress and improving welfare Correct answer.

Explanation

Refinement refers to modifying procedures and husbandry to minimize pain, distress, and improve animal well-being. Reduction is using fewer animals, and Replacement is using alternatives. Reusing animals is not a 3R principle.

Question 22Animal Resource Management

A principal investigator wants to change a protocol by adding a new procedure that may cause pain. What must occur before the change is implemented?

  1. Only the attending veterinarian needs to approve
  2. The change can be implemented immediately
  3. The change only needs to be reported in the next annual review
  4. The IACUC must review and approve the amendment Correct answer.

Explanation

Significant changes to a protocol, especially those that may increase pain or distress, require IACUC review and approval before implementation. The veterinarian may be consulted but does not have sole approval authority. Reporting at annual review is too late.

Question 23Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a key consideration when designing a rodent housing room to minimize stress?

  1. Housing different species in the same room
  2. Maintaining a 12-hour light/dark cycle Correct answer.
  3. Keeping the room brightly lit 24 hours a day
  4. Using high-pitched alarms for pest control

Explanation

A consistent 12-hour light/dark cycle helps regulate circadian rhythms and reduces stress. Constant bright light, mixing species, and loud alarms can cause stress and should be avoided. Proper environmental control is essential for welfare.

Question 24Animal Resource Management

What is the primary role of the Institutional Official (IO) in an animal care and use program?

  1. To chair the IACUC
  2. To perform veterinary procedures
  3. To conduct daily animal care
  4. To ensure the institution has the resources and authority to comply with regulations Correct answer.

Explanation

The IO is the institutional official with the authority to commit resources and ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. They do not typically provide direct animal care, perform veterinary procedures, or chair the IACUC. The IO provides oversight and support.

Question 25Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is an acceptable method for disposing of animal carcasses in a research facility?

  1. Incineration according to local regulations Correct answer.
  2. Flushing down the drain
  3. Burying in the facility yard
  4. Placing in regular trash

Explanation

Carcass disposal must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, often involving incineration or rendering. Regular trash, yard burial, and drain disposal are generally not acceptable and may violate environmental and health regulations. Proper disposal protects public health and the environment.

Question 26Animal Resource Management

Which federal agency enforces the Animal Welfare Act regulations for research facilities?

  1. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
  2. USDA APHIS Animal Care Correct answer.
  3. NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare
  4. CDC Division of Laboratory Animal Resources

Explanation

The Animal Welfare Act is enforced by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) through its Animal Care program, which conducts inspections and licenses research facilities. OLAW oversees PHS-funded research under the Health Research Extension Act, not the AWA. CDC and FDA have other regulatory roles not primarily focused on AWA enforcement in research settings.

Question 27Animal Resource Management

Which document provides the primary standards for the care and use of laboratory animals in the United States?

  1. The Animal Welfare Act regulations
  2. The Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
  3. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Correct answer.
  4. The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals

Explanation

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) is the primary reference for animal care and use standards in the U.S., particularly for PHS-funded institutions. It covers housing, husbandry, veterinary care, and facility design. The AVMA Guidelines focus on euthanasia, the AWA regulations set legal minimums, and the PHS Policy outlines institutional responsibilities.

Question 28Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is a key responsibility of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

  1. Conducting research experiments
  2. Managing the facility's budget and staffing
  3. Providing direct veterinary care to sick animals
  4. Reviewing and approving animal use protocols Correct answer.

Explanation

The IACUC is responsible for reviewing and approving protocols, inspecting facilities, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Direct veterinary care is the responsibility of the attending veterinarian. Budget and staffing are administrative functions, and conducting experiments is the role of investigators.

Question 29Animal Resource Management

What is the recommended frequency for cleaning and sanitizing rodent primary enclosures?

  1. At least once per month
  2. At least once every two weeks
  3. At least once per week Correct answer.
  4. At least once every three days

Explanation

The Guide recommends that primary enclosures be cleaned and sanitized at least once every two weeks, but more frequent cleaning (e.g., weekly) is often necessary to maintain hygiene and animal health. The AWA regulations require cleaning as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions. Once per month or every three days are not standard recommendations.

Question 30Animal Resource Management

What is the primary role of the attending veterinarian in an animal research facility?

  1. To manage the facility's budget
  2. To conduct research experiments
  3. To serve as the IACUC chair
  4. To provide veterinary care and oversee animal health Correct answer.

Explanation

The attending veterinarian is responsible for the health and welfare of the animals, including providing veterinary care, advising on husbandry, and ensuring appropriate use of analgesics and anesthetics. Budget management, conducting research, and chairing the IACUC are separate roles.

Question 31Animal Resource Management

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the '3Rs' principle in animal research?

  1. To eliminate all animal research immediately
  2. To require the use of animals in all research
  3. To increase the number of animals used in experiments
  4. To reduce, refine, and replace the use of animals in research Correct answer.

Explanation

The 3Rs-Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement-are guiding principles for the ethical use of animals in research. They encourage alternatives to animal use, minimizing the number of animals, and improving their welfare. The other options misrepresent the 3Rs.

Question 32Animal Resource Management

An investigator plans to use a procedure that may cause more than momentary pain in mice. What must the IACUC ensure before approving the protocol?

  1. That the investigator has no prior experience
  2. That the procedure is conducted only on weekends
  3. That the procedure is performed without anesthesia
  4. That pain-relieving measures are used unless scientifically justified Correct answer.

Explanation

The IACUC must ensure that procedures that may cause more than momentary pain are accompanied by appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia unless scientifically justified in writing. This aligns with the requirement to minimize pain and distress. The other options are irrelevant or contrary to humane practice.

Question 33Animal Resource Management

What is the maximum interval between IACUC continuing reviews for ongoing studies?

  1. Every 12 months Correct answer.
  2. Every 6 months
  3. Every 24 months
  4. Every 3 years

Explanation

The PHS Policy and AWA regulations require that the IACUC conduct a continuing review of approved protocols at least annually (every 12 months). More frequent reviews may be required for certain protocols, but the maximum interval is 12 months.

Question 34Animal Resource Management

A new investigator proposes to use a novel surgical procedure on rats. What is the most critical factor the IACUC must evaluate regarding the investigator's qualifications?

  1. The investigator's publication record
  2. The investigator's membership in a professional society
  3. Documented training and experience in the procedure Correct answer.
  4. The investigator's funding source

Explanation

The IACUC must ensure that personnel are appropriately trained and qualified to perform the procedures, including aseptic technique and post-operative care. Publication record, funding, and society membership do not substitute for documented training.

Question 35Animal Resource Management

An IACUC discovers that a principal investigator has been performing a procedure not approved in the protocol. What is the most appropriate action for the IACUC?

  1. Allow the investigator to continue and submit an amendment later
  2. Ignore the deviation if no animals were harmed
  3. Delegate the matter to the attending veterinarian for resolution
  4. Suspend the protocol and report the noncompliance to the Institutional Official Correct answer.

Explanation

The IACUC must address instances of noncompliance, which may include suspending the protocol and reporting to the IO and, if applicable, to OLAW. Ignoring, allowing continuation, or delegating to the veterinarian without IACUC oversight is not appropriate.

Question 36Animal Resource Management

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'social housing' for laboratory rodents?

  1. Housing animals with different species for enrichment
  2. Housing animals in groups of mixed sexes for breeding
  3. Housing animals individually to prevent fighting
  4. Housing compatible animals together to allow social interaction Correct answer.

Explanation

Social housing involves grouping compatible animals to allow species-typical social interactions, which is generally beneficial for rodents. Individual housing should be justified. Mixing species or sexes without careful planning can lead to fighting and breeding.

Question 37Animal Resource Management

A facility is planning to import genetically modified mice from another institution. What is the most important biosecurity measure to prevent introduction of pathogens?

  1. Immediate housing with resident colony
  2. Only visual inspection upon arrival
  3. No special measures if the mice appear healthy
  4. Quarantine and health surveillance of imported animals Correct answer.

Explanation

Imported animals should be quarantined and tested according to a health surveillance program to prevent introduction of pathogens. Immediate mixing, visual inspection alone, or no measures are inadequate.

Question 38Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to verify that a cage washer is achieving adequate sanitization?

  1. Use biological indicators such as spore strips. Correct answer.
  2. Perform visual inspection of each cage after washing.
  3. Monitor the concentration of detergent in the wash water.
  4. Record the water temperature of each cycle.

Explanation

Biological indicators, such as spore strips, directly test the lethality of the sanitization process and are the standard for validating cage washer performance. Other methods like temperature or detergent monitoring are indirect and do not confirm microbial kill.

Question 39Animal Resource Management

When assigning personnel to work with nonhuman primates, which of the following is the most important administrative control to prevent zoonotic disease transmission?

  1. Implementing a program of regular tuberculosis testing for at-risk staff. Correct answer.
  2. Enforcing the use of personal protective equipment at all times.
  3. Providing personnel with the pre-exposure rabies vaccination.
  4. Requiring annual physical examinations for all staff.

Explanation

Nonhuman primates can carry tuberculosis, and regular TB testing of personnel who work with them is a key administrative control to detect transmission. While PPE is important, TB testing specifically addresses a documented zoonotic risk.

Question 40Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a sentinel animal program in a rodent barrier facility?

  1. To provide social enrichment for singly housed rodents.
  2. To monitor the health status of the colony for infectious agents. Correct answer.
  3. To serve as a source of replacement breeding stock.
  4. To test the efficacy of sanitization procedures in the facility.

Explanation

Sentinel animals are exposed to the facility environment and tested to detect the presence of infectious agents, thereby monitoring colony health. They are not used for enrichment, sanitization testing, or breeding.

Question 41Animal Resource Management

A facility must transport mice between buildings on the same campus. Which of the following is the most important consideration to prevent contamination?

  1. Using a clean, disinfected transport container with a filter cover. Correct answer.
  2. Grouping animals from different rooms into the same container.
  3. Ensuring the animals are fasted for 12 hours before transport.
  4. Transporting the animals during the dark phase of their light cycle.

Explanation

Using clean, disinfected containers with filter covers minimizes the risk of introducing contaminants and protects the animals during transport. Fasting is not appropriate, transport timing is secondary, and mixing animals from different rooms increases cross-contamination risk.

Question 42Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for documenting that a cage wash cycle has reached the required temperature for sanitization?

  1. Recording the temperature of the wash water at the end of the cycle.
  2. Verifying that the cycle duration meets the manufacturer's recommendation.
  3. Using a temperature-sensitive indicator strip that changes color at the target temperature. Correct answer.
  4. Checking the detergent concentration before the cycle begins.

Explanation

A temperature-sensitive indicator strip provides a visual record that the target temperature was reached during the cycle. Recording end-of-cycle temperature or checking detergent does not confirm that the required temperature was achieved for the necessary duration.

Question 43Animal Resource Management

In a facility that uses disposable cages, which of the following is the most critical factor in preventing cross-contamination between rooms?

  1. Cleaning disposable cages with disinfectant before reuse.
  2. Storing unused cages in the animal room for convenience.
  3. Sharing disposable cages between rooms after visible cleaning.
  4. Using separate disposable cages for each room and disposing of them after use. Correct answer.

Explanation

Disposable cages are intended for single use; using them in one room and then discarding them prevents the transfer of contaminants between rooms. Reusing or sharing them, even after cleaning, can spread infectious agents.

Question 44Animal Resource Management

Which of the following best describes the role of the facility manager in an animal care and use program?

  1. Approving animal use protocols.
  2. Providing clinical care to sick or injured animals.
  3. Overseeing daily operations, including husbandry and facility maintenance. Correct answer.
  4. Conducting the semi-annual program review for the IACUC.

Explanation

The facility manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the animal facility, including husbandry, maintenance, and staffing. Protocol approval, program review, and clinical care are responsibilities of the IACUC or attending veterinarian.

Question 45Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the most important reason for maintaining a regular pest control program in an animal facility?

  1. To minimize noise that may stress animals.
  2. To reduce the need for frequent cage cleaning.
  3. To prevent the introduction and spread of infectious agents. Correct answer.
  4. To comply with local fire codes.

Explanation

Pests such as rodents and insects can carry and transmit infectious agents, so controlling them is critical to protect animal health and research integrity. Pest control is not primarily for reducing cleaning, fire code compliance, or noise reduction.

Question 46Animal Resource Management

A research team needs to house zebrafish in a recirculating aquaculture system. Which of the following water quality parameters is most critical to monitor daily to ensure fish health?

  1. Calcium hardness
  2. Phosphate concentration
  3. Salinity
  4. Dissolved oxygen Correct answer.

Explanation

Dissolved oxygen is essential for fish respiration and must be maintained within a narrow range; daily monitoring is critical. Calcium hardness, phosphate, and salinity are important but are typically monitored less frequently and are not as immediately life-threatening.

Question 47Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the most appropriate action when a facility's emergency plan is activated due to a power outage?

  1. Follow the predetermined plan for backup power and animal care. Correct answer.
  2. Open all cage racks to increase airflow.
  3. Immediately euthanize all animals to prevent suffering.
  4. Wait for the power to be restored before taking any action.

Explanation

An emergency plan should include predetermined procedures for backup power, communication, and animal care to ensure continuity of essential services. Immediate euthanasia, waiting passively, or opening cages can cause harm.

Question 48Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a facility's animal identification system?

  1. To ensure accurate record-keeping and accountability for each animal. Correct answer.
  2. To facilitate billing for animal care costs.
  3. To track animal lineage for breeding purposes.
  4. To monitor the animal's health status daily.

Explanation

An animal identification system is essential for accurate record-keeping, traceability, and accountability, which are required for regulatory compliance and research integrity. While lineage, health monitoring, and billing may use identification, they are not the primary purpose.

Question 49Animal Resource Management

When designing a new animal facility, which of the following is the most important consideration for the layout of animal rooms?

  1. Locating the facility manager's office at the center of the animal rooms.
  2. Separating clean and dirty corridors to prevent cross-contamination. Correct answer.
  3. Maximizing the number of rooms to increase animal housing capacity.
  4. Placing rooms for different species in close proximity to encourage cross-training of staff.

Explanation

Separating clean and dirty corridors is a fundamental design principle to prevent cross-contamination between clean and contaminated areas. Proximity of different species, maximizing rooms, or office location are not primary infection control considerations.

Question 50Animal Resource Management

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for disinfecting a biosafety cabinet between procedures?

  1. Rinsing with sterile water.
  2. Wiping surfaces with 70% ethanol and allowing to air dry. Correct answer.
  3. Spraying with a quaternary ammonium compound and immediately wiping.
  4. Using a UV light for 10 minutes.

Explanation

70% ethanol is a commonly used disinfectant for biosafety cabinets; it must be applied and allowed to air dry to achieve effective disinfection. Rinsing with water does not disinfect, UV light is not reliable for surface disinfection, and immediate wiping may reduce contact time.