Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is one common reason for implementing a quarantine procedure upon receiving new animals?

1. To allow for socialization with other animals

2. To confirm the animal's diet preferences

3. To establish their microbial status

4. To conduct a behavioral assessment

The correct answer is: To establish their microbial status

Implementing a quarantine procedure upon receiving new animals is primarily aimed at establishing their microbial status. This step is crucial because newly introduced animals may carry infectious agents that could pose a risk to existing residents in the facility. Quarantine allows for observation and testing of the new arrivals for pathogens or parasites that could lead to outbreaks, ensuring the health and safety of the whole population. The importance of microbial status cannot be overstated in a laboratory setting, as it helps maintain biosecurity and prevent the introduction of diseases that could compromise research integrity or animal welfare. By monitoring the health of quarantined animals, technicians can take appropriate actions, such as treatments or further evaluations, to mitigate any risks before these animals are integrated into the larger population. Socialization with other animals, confirming diet preferences, and conducting behavioral assessments, while important for overall animal care and research purposes, are secondary considerations that do not directly address the immediate health risks associated with the introduction of new animals. Thus, while they may be part of the overall management of the animals, they do not align with the primary goal of quarantine procedures.