Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of good laboratory practices (GLP)?

1. To improve the efficiency of animal housing

2. To validate and document the process of safety testing

3. To promote stress-free environments for research animals

4. To ensure ethical funding for research projects

The correct answer is: To validate and document the process of safety testing

The purpose of good laboratory practices (GLP) is primarily focused on validating and documenting the processes involved in safety testing. GLP provides a framework that ensures the quality and integrity of research data, which is especially crucial in regulatory studies that contribute to the evaluation of the safety of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other products. By implementing GLP, researchers can ensure that their studies are conducted systematically and transparently, thereby enhancing the reliability of the results. This documentation serves as evidence that the research was conducted in accordance with specified protocols, which is essential for regulatory submissions and scientific credibility. Other options relate to important aspects of laboratory animal care and research integrity, but they do not encapsulate the core objective of GLP. Improving the efficiency of animal housing, while beneficial, does not embody the comprehensive guidelines set by GLP for conducting research. Promoting stress-free environments for research animals is also a critical facet of humane animal care but falls outside the specific purpose of GLP. Lastly, ensuring ethical funding for research projects is an important consideration in research but does not pertain directly to the practices and standards set forth by GLP.