Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What are the three most common types of cage washers used in today's animal facilities?

1. Tunnel washer, cabinet washer, and bin washer

2. Rack washer, cabinet washer, and tunnel washer

3. Desktop washer, rack washer, and cabinet washer

4. Top-loading washer, bin washer, and director washer

The correct answer is: Rack washer, cabinet washer, and tunnel washer

The three most common types of cage washers utilized in modern animal facilities are the rack washer, cabinet washer, and tunnel washer. Rack washers are specifically designed to accommodate racks of cages or equipment, allowing for efficient cleaning of multiple items simultaneously while operating at high capacities. This efficiency is essential for maintaining hygiene standards and facilitating thorough cleaning processes in busy facilities. Cabinet washers operate by allowing items to be loaded into a cabinet and subsequently cleaned through a combination of water, detergent, and high-pressure jets. Their design is particularly useful for smaller items or for situations where space is a concern, making them versatile in various facility environments. Tunnel washers are large, continuous cleaning systems that move cages and equipment through multiple stages of washing, rinsing, and drying. This type of washer is advantageous for high-volume needs, as it can process a significant number of items in a streamlined manner while reducing labor time and increasing throughput. The other options include types of washers that either are not typically utilized in animal facilities or represent less common configurations, making them less relevant for the primary laundry needs of such environments.