Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which document outlines the necessary adjustment time for newly received animals before they are used in studies?

1. The handbook of animal care

2. The guide

3. The safety procedures manual

4. The animal welfare act

The correct answer is: The guide

The correct choice relates to a document that provides comprehensive guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals in research settings. This document details the acclimatization period that newly received animals should undergo before participating in studies. Acclimatization is critical for ensuring that animals adjust to their new environments, which can help reduce stress and improve the validity of research outcomes. While the handbook of animal care may contain specific protocols regarding animal care and welfare, the guidelines often emphasize broader regulatory and ethical standards rather than specific acclimatization timelines. The safety procedures manual primarily focuses on protocols to ensure personnel safety and proper handling of materials, and the Animal Welfare Act sets the legal foundation for animal care practices, but does not provide detailed operational procedures for individual studies. By identifying the appropriate document, it becomes clear that it serves as an essential resource for researchers to ensure that animals are appropriately adjusted before experimentation, thereby promoting ethical treatment and reliable scientific results.