ALAT Regulations and Compliance Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing and approving animal use protocols to ensure ethical and humane treatment.

Answer

Procuring research funding for the institution.

Answer

Developing new surgical techniques for animal procedures.

Answer

Publishing the results of institutional research projects.

Question 2

An ALAT is working with a species covered under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). According to the AWA, how long must individual animal records be maintained after the final disposition of the animal?

Accepted Answer

Three years

Answer

Six months

Answer

One year

Answer

Five years

Question 3

A technician is preparing to work with non-human primates and is informed they must participate in the facility's occupational health and safety program. Which component is MANDATORY under the guidelines of 'The Guide'?

Accepted Answer

A formal risk assessment and provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Answer

A daily written log of all activities performed.

Answer

Mandatory enrollment in a fitness program.

Answer

Annual publication of a research paper.

Question 4

Which federal agency is responsible for conducting unannounced inspections of research facilities to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act?

Accepted Answer

United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS)

Answer

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Question 5

An ALAT notices that an approved animal protocol has been modified by the research staff without getting approval for the change. What is the most appropriate first step for the ALAT to take?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the observation with their direct supervisor or the facility manager.

Answer

Continue with their duties as the change is likely minor.

Answer

Immediately stop the procedure and contact the USDA.

Answer

Confront the research staff directly and demand they stop.

Question 6

The 'Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals' is a foundational document for animal care programs. It is published by which organization?

Accepted Answer

The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies

Answer

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)

Answer

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Answer

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)