Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which animal identification procedure should only be performed on neonate rats with IACUC approval?

1. Toe-clipping

2. Ear tagging

3. Microchipping

4. Collar placement

The correct answer is: Toe-clipping

Toe-clipping is a procedure that is sometimes used for identification in neonate rats, particularly in specific research contexts. The reason this procedure is subject to IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) approval before being performed on neonates is that it can be painful and distressing to the animals. IACUC oversight is necessary to ensure that the procedure is justified and that all ethical guidelines regarding animal welfare are upheld. In contrast, ear tagging, microchipping, and collar placement are generally considered less invasive methods of identification for older animals or are performed in ways that typically do not require specific approval for neonates. These methods usually do not involve alteration of the animal's anatomy in a way that could cause harm or distress, making them preferable options for animal identification. However, toe-clipping specifically requires careful consideration and IACUC approval due to its potential impact on the welfare of very young animals.