Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What document must research methods of euthanasia follow?

1. The Animal Welfare Act

2. The AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia

3. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

4. The NIH Guidelines

The correct answer is: The AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia

The AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia is the authoritative source for establishing humane standards for euthanasia practices in veterinary medicine, including laboratory animal research. These guidelines provide scientifically-backed recommendations and protocols for various methods of euthanasia, ensuring that animals are treated ethically and humanely throughout the research process. These guidelines are important as they address the welfare of the animals and offer a framework for researchers to follow, which aligns with ethical and legal standards within the field. By adhering to the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, researchers can ensure compliance with best practices and alleviate unnecessary suffering. The other documents, while relevant to animal care and regulatory standards, do not specifically focus on the methodologies of euthanasia. For instance, the Animal Welfare Act provides general regulations for animal care and use, while The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals offers broader guidance on animal care beyond euthanasia. The NIH Guidelines focus primarily on the care and use of research animals funded by the National Institutes of Health. Thus, while these documents are important in the context of laboratory animal care, they do not serve the same specific purpose as the AVMA Guidelines concerning euthanasia practices.