Facility Operations and Sanitation Flashcards

What temperature must the final rinse water reach in a cage washer for sanitization?

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.

What is the correct order of steps in cleaning an animal room?

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.

Why is it important to verify sipper tubes function after placing water bottles on cages?

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.

What is the purpose of biological indicators (BIs) for monitoring autoclave performance?

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.

What information should be recorded on a cage card?

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.

What is the difference between cleaning, sanitization, and sterilization?

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.