Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is a potential hazard of changing cages on a daily basis?

1. Allergic reactions

2. Repetitive motion injury

3. Exposure to infectious diseases

4. Contaminated bedding

The correct answer is: Repetitive motion injury

Changing cages on a daily basis can lead to repetitive motion injuries due to the physical demands of the task. This type of injury occurs from performing the same motions repeatedly without adequate rest or variation, which can lead to strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. In laboratory settings, animal caretakers often engage in lifting, bending, and reaching while replacing bedding and cleaning cages. Over time, these motions can result in conditions such as tendinitis or musculoskeletal disorders if proper ergonomic practices are not followed. While the other options present valid concerns in a laboratory animal environment, they are not directly tied to the process of changing cages every day. Allergic reactions can occur due to exposure to allergens present in animal bedding or dander, but they are not specifically a hazard unique to the frequency of cage changes. Similarly, exposure to infectious diseases is more related to handling animals that are ill or contaminated rather than the frequency of cage cleaning. Contaminated bedding is a concern, but rather is a result of improper cleaning or timing, not necessarily the act of changing cages daily.