Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Where should animal carcasses be stored prior to necropsy?

1. In a freezer

2. In a refrigerator

3. At room temperature

4. In a sealed container

The correct answer is: In a refrigerator

The appropriate storage of animal carcasses prior to necropsy is crucial for preserving tissue integrity and preventing decomposition. Storing the carcasses in a refrigerator helps maintain a low temperature (typically between 0-4 degrees Celsius), which slows down bacterial growth and enzymatic activity that can lead to the degradation of the tissues. By keeping the carcasses in a refrigerator, you ensure that the specimens remain in a state that is suitable for examination after death, allowing for accurate and reliable necropsy results. This method allows for the collection of clear and useful data regarding the cause of death or any underlying health issues. While freezers are also an option for long-term preservation, they can lead to frostbite and ice crystal formation within tissues, potentially compromising the sample's usability. Storing at room temperature would accelerate decomposition, making it unsuitable for necropsy, and while sealing carcasses in containers is good practice for containment and odor control, it doesn't address the critical need for temperature regulation.