Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

A cleaning assessment using a RODAC plate involves monitoring what aspect?

1. pH level

2. Microbial growth

3. Temperature

4. Moisture content

The correct answer is: Microbial growth

The use of a RODAC (Replicate Organism Detection and Counting) plate in a cleaning assessment is primarily focused on microbial growth. RODAC plates are specifically designed to be used in the evaluation of cleanliness on surfaces within laboratory and animal care settings. When a surface is sampled with a RODAC plate, it captures microorganisms that may be present, allowing for the assessment of the effectiveness of cleaning procedures. By measuring microbial growth, facility managers and technicians can determine whether surfaces are being adequately sanitized, ensuring a safe environment for animals and researchers alike. This is crucial because high levels of microbial contamination can lead to health issues in laboratory animals and potentially confound experimental results. In contrast, parameters such as pH level, temperature, and moisture content, while important in their own right for many aspects of laboratory and animal care practices, do not directly reflect the presence or levels of microbial contamination on surfaces being evaluated for cleanliness. Therefore, the correct aspect monitored during a cleaning assessment using RODAC plates is specifically microbial growth.