Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common inbred strain of rats?

1. SPF

2. BALB/c

3. Fischer

4. C57BL/6

The correct answer is: Fischer

The correct response identifies Fischer as a common inbred strain of rats. Inbred strains are typically defined by their genetic homogeneity due to the controlled breeding of a specific lineage over multiple generations. Fischer 344 (often abbreviated as Fischer) is widely recognized in scientific research, particularly in studies involving cancer, aging, and toxicology. On the other hand, BALB/c and C57BL/6 are not strains of rats; they are well-known inbred strains of mice. SPF refers to specific pathogen-free, which is a classification used to describe an animal breeding environment that is free from specific pathogens but is not an inbred strain. Thus, Fischer is the appropriate choice, as it directly reflects an established inbred strain used for various experimental purposes in laboratory settings.