Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What aspect of an animal research program includes surgical and post-surgical care?

1. Personnel qualifications and training

2. Veterinary care

3. Alleviation of pain and distress

4. Animal procurement and transportation

The correct answer is: Veterinary care

The correct answer emphasizes the role of veterinary care in an animal research program, which encompasses both surgical and post-surgical care. This aspect is crucial because it ensures that animals receive appropriate medical attention before, during, and after any surgical procedures. Veterinary care is responsible for planning and implementing pain management strategies, monitoring anesthesia, and providing postoperative care to promote recovery and minimize suffering. Surgical procedures on laboratory animals require skilled professionals who can assess the health of the animals throughout the process and ensure that they are treated in a humane manner. Post-surgical care includes observation for any complications and managing pain, which is vital for the overall welfare of the animals involved in research. While personnel qualifications and training are important for the implementation of various aspects of the program, including surgery, the direct responsibility for the surgical care rests primarily with the veterinary staff. Alleviation of pain and distress also plays a significant role in animal welfare, but it is encompassed within veterinary care rather than being a standalone aspect. Animal procurement and transportation are essential facets of the research program as well, but they do not directly relate to the surgical and post-surgical care processes.