Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the main responsibility of the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare?

1. To fund laboratory animal research programs

2. To set industry standards for laboratory equipment

3. To administer and enforce the PHS policy

4. To educate the public on animal testing ethics

The correct answer is: To administer and enforce the PHS policy

The primary responsibility of the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) is to administer and enforce the Public Health Service (PHS) policy regarding the care and use of laboratory animals in research. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations related to animal welfare, overseeing programs that promote humane treatment, and conducting assessments to ensure that institutions are following ethical guidelines. By focusing on the administration and enforcement of PHS policy, OLAW plays a crucial role in protecting laboratory animals and ensuring that research conducted is both ethical and scientifically valid. This involves oversight responsibilities, which include providing guidance and support to institutions and ensuring that they meet the required standards of animal care and usage.