Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which term describes the transfer of pathogens through inanimate surfaces?

1. Transmission

2. Infection

3. Contamination

4. Fomite

The correct answer is: Fomite

The term that accurately describes the transfer of pathogens through inanimate surfaces is "fomite." This word specifically refers to objects or materials that are likely to carry infection, such as doorknobs, utensils, or any surface that can harbor pathogens. When these surfaces come into contact with a person, they can facilitate the transfer of pathogens, leading to potential infection. Understanding the concept of fomites is important in laboratory animal care and related fields, as it emphasizes the need for proper sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases. While "transmission" generally refers to the act of spreading diseases from one host to another, it does not specifically denote the role of inanimate objects. "Infection" relates to the invasion and multiplication of pathogens within a host, rather than their movement on surfaces. "Contamination" can describe the presence of pathogens on any surface, but it doesn’t specifically imply the transfer mechanism through inanimate objects like fomites do.