ALAT Facility Operations and Sanitation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What temperature must the final rinse water reach in a cage washer for sanitization?
- 100 F (37.8 C)
- 140 F (60 C)
- 180 F (82.2 C) (Correct answer)
- 212 F (100 C)
Correct answer: 180 F (82.2 C)
Cage washers must achieve a final rinse of at least 180 F (82.2 C) for thermal sanitization of all vegetative microorganisms.
This temperature achieves pasteurization-level kill of vegetative bacteria, most viruses, and fungi. Thermal indicators or thermometers verify temperature. If temperature is not achieved, the cycle must be repeated.
Question 2: What is the correct order of steps in cleaning an animal room?
- Mop first, then change cages
- Observe animals, change cages, remove soiled materials, clean surfaces, sanitize, check environment (Correct answer)
- Check environment, mop, change cages
- Sanitize first, then check animals
Correct answer: Observe animals, change cages, remove soiled materials, clean surfaces, sanitize, check environment
The correct workflow: observe animals first, then change cages, remove waste, clean surfaces, apply sanitizer, and verify environmental conditions.
Organic matter must be removed before sanitization since disinfectants are inactivated by organic debris. Work from clean to dirty areas and from top to bottom.
Question 3: Why is it important to verify sipper tubes function after placing water bottles on cages?
- To prevent water waste
- To ensure animals have access to water, since a clogged tube can cause dehydration and death (Correct answer)
- To verify temperature
- To measure consumption
Correct answer: To ensure animals have access to water, since a clogged tube can cause dehydration and death
Non-functional sipper tubes prevent water delivery, which can lead to rapid dehydration and death in small rodents within 24-48 hours.
Causes of malfunction include vacuum lock, debris clogging, bent tubes, over-tightened caps, and stuck ball bearings. Verify by gently tapping and observing a water droplet.
Question 4: What is the purpose of biological indicators (BIs) for monitoring autoclave performance?
- To add color for identification
- To verify sterilization by testing survival of highly resistant bacterial spores (Correct answer)
- To measure weight
- To detect chemical contamination
Correct answer: To verify sterilization by testing survival of highly resistant bacterial spores
BIs contain Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. If the autoclave kills these most heat-resistant organisms, sterilization is confirmed.
BIs are placed inside test packs and incubated after the cycle. No growth confirms sterilization. BIs should be run at least weekly. Chemical indicator tape alone does not guarantee sterility.
Question 5: What information should be recorded on a cage card?
- Only the researcher's name
- Species, strain, number, sex, birth/receipt date, protocol number, investigator, and special care instructions (Correct answer)
- Only cage change date
- Only room number
Correct answer: Species, strain, number, sex, birth/receipt date, protocol number, investigator, and special care instructions
Cage cards must contain species, strain, animal IDs, sex, numbers, birth/arrival date, protocol number, PI, and any special instructions.
Cage cards are legal documents connecting animals to their IACUC-approved protocol. During USDA inspections, inspectors compare cage cards to protocols to verify compliance.
Question 6: What is the difference between cleaning, sanitization, and sterilization?
- All the same process
- Cleaning removes visible soil; sanitization reduces microorganisms to safe levels; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores (Correct answer)
- Sterilization is less effective
- Sanitization only applies to food areas
Correct answer: Cleaning removes visible soil; sanitization reduces microorganisms to safe levels; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores
These represent increasing levels of microbial control: cleaning removes dirt, sanitization reduces microbes to safe levels, sterilization eliminates all including spores.
Cleaning must always precede sanitization/sterilization as organic matter inactivates most disinfectants. Sanitization is standard for routine cage processing; sterilization is required for barrier facility supplies.
ALAT Facility Operations and Sanitation 2
What temperature must the final rinse water reach in a cage washer for sanitization?