ALAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ALAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When collecting a blood sample from a mouse via the retro-orbital sinus, which anesthetic approach is most commonly recommended to minimize pain and distress? → General anesthesia using isoflurane or injectable agents
2. Which route of analgesic administration is most appropriate for a mouse that is difficult to restrain for injections post-surgery? → Oral administration via drinking water or gel
3. Which of the following is a correct statement about thermoregulation in neonatal rodents? → Neonates are poikilothermic and depend on maternal warmth
4. Which of the following best explains why social housing is preferred for gregarious laboratory animals such as mice and rabbits? → Social contact meets behavioral needs, reduces stress, and improves overall welfare
5. A technician observes a co-worker handling animals in a way that may violate welfare guidelines. What is the most appropriate immediate response? → Document the observation and report it to a supervisor through the proper chain of command
6. What is the primary purpose of performing a physical examination on animals upon receipt from a vendor? → To detect signs of illness or injury and establish baseline health status
7. Why is a consistent light/dark cycle important in a laboratory animal facility? → It regulates animals' circadian rhythms and can affect research outcomes
8. A guinea pig is observed with slobbering, wet fur around the mouth, and weight loss. These signs are most consistent with: → Dental malocclusion (slobbers)
9. What is the correct term for the process of gradually acclimatizing animals to a new facility environment before use in studies? → Acclimation
10. Which of the following best describes the purpose of sentinel animals in a rodent colony? → To serve as health monitors by detecting pathogens circulating in the colony
11. Who first formally proposed the Three Rs framework for ethical animal use? → William Russell and Rex Burch in 1959
12. What should an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician do if they observe a protocol deviation that compromises animal welfare? → Report the deviation to the IACUC or a supervisor immediately
13. What is the typical estrous cycle length for a mouse? → 4-5 days
14. Which condition is characterized by overgrown incisors in rodents? → Malocclusion
15. Why is it important to monitor room temperature continuously rather than just checking it once daily in a rodent facility? → HVAC failures can cause rapid temperature swings that harm animals
16. Which of the following statements about Mongolian gerbils used as laboratory animals is correct? → They are prone to spontaneous epileptiform seizures
17. What document is physically attached to or placed in front of each animal cage to provide quick identification information? → Cage card
18. What is the primary function of the cecum in rabbits? → Fermentation of fibrous plant material
19. An ALAT is caring for a pregnant doe (female rabbit). What is the typical gestation period the technician should expect for this animal? → 30-33 days
20. Which of the following is a key advantage of individually ventilated cages (IVCs) over standard static microisolator cages? → Reduced frequency of required cage changes due to improved air exchange within the cage
21. What is the ethical basis for requiring alternatives searches before approving protocols? → To ensure non-animal methods are used when they can replace, reduce, or refine animal use
22. Which of the following environmental factors is considered a component of the macroenvironment in an animal facility? → The light intensity and cycle in the animal room
23. A mouse weighs 25 grams and requires a drug at 10 mg/kg. What dose in mg should the mouse receive? → 0.25 mg
24. How often should water bottles and sipper tubes be changed or sanitized as a minimum standard in rodent facilities? → At least weekly
25. Why avoid disturbing a mouse dam's cage in the first 48 hours after birth? → Disturbance can cause the dam to cannibalize pups due to stress
26. If an ALAT observes that a colleague is not following an approved IACUC protocol during a procedure, what is the most appropriate immediate action? → Report the deviation to the supervisor or veterinarian promptly
27. Which physiological parameter is measured by a pulse oximeter in laboratory animals? → Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2)
28. What is the normal respiratory rate range for an adult mouse? → 60-220 breaths/min
29. What does the term 'macroenvironment' refer to in an animal facility context? → The conditions of the room surrounding the caging
30. When monitoring a rat colony for pain, which behavioral sign is LEAST reliable as a sole indicator? → Normal coat condition