Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

According to the Animal Welfare Act, who must be included on the IACUC?

1. Only the laboratory manager

2. The chair, a vet, and a non-affiliated member

3. All laboratory staff members

4. Two representatives from the local community

The correct answer is: The chair, a vet, and a non-affiliated member

The correct answer emphasizes the composition required for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act. A properly constituted IACUC must consist of at least one veterinarian who is experienced in laboratory animal medicine and at least one member who is not affiliated with the institution in any way, to ensure objective oversight. This inclusion of diverse perspectives helps maintain ethical standards and compliance with animal welfare guidelines. The requirement for the committee to include these specific roles serves to ensure that animal care and use protocols are reviewed thoroughly by representatives knowledgeable about animal welfare and those who can provide an outside viewpoint, thus enhancing accountability and ethical consideration in research practices. While the roles of the laboratory manager and local community representatives could be involved in various capacities, their presence is not mandated by the Animal Welfare Act for the IACUC structure.