Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

When should husbandry tasks be performed in isolation areas to minimize airborne pathogen spread?

1. In the morning

2. During the night

3. Late in the day

4. At lunchtime

The correct answer is: Late in the day

Performing husbandry tasks in isolation areas late in the day is optimal for minimizing airborne pathogen spread for several reasons. First, environmental conditions such as air circulation and building activities often change throughout the day, and late-afternoon hours can offer more stable airflow patterns. During this time, fewer personnel may be moving through the facility compared to morning or lunchtime, reducing the risk of disturbing settled dust and pathogens. Additionally, doing husbandry tasks later in the day can allow for proper ventilation systems to maintain clean air prior to the next workday, ensuring that any airborne pathogens generated during the cleaning process have time to settle before staff re-enter the space. It also enables staff to concentrate on minimizing disruptions that could lead to pathogen spread. Thus, this timing fosters a safer environment for maintaining the health and well-being of the animals housed in the isolation areas.