Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

How must controlled substances be stored?

1. In the refrigerator

2. In a locked cabinet within a locked room

3. In an open area away from public access

4. In a file cabinet

The correct answer is: In a locked cabinet within a locked room

Controlled substances must be stored in a manner that ensures both security and compliance with regulatory requirements. The correct approach is to keep them in a locked cabinet that is also located within a locked room. This layered security protocol prevents unauthorized access and helps mitigate the risk of theft or misuse, which is paramount given the potential for abuse associated with certain controlled substances. Storing controlled substances in a locked cabinet provides a primary line of defense, while the locked room adds an additional layer of protection. This practice is standardized in various regulations and guidelines related to the handling of controlled substances in laboratory and clinical settings, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access these materials. Other storage options, such as a refrigerator or an open area, do not meet the stringent security requirements needed for controlled substances. A refrigerator may not provide adequate security, while an open area would significantly increase the risk of accidental or intentional access. Storing controlled substances in a file cabinet does not provide the same level of security and could easily be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Therefore, the key to proper storage lies in the dual-locking system provided by a locked cabinet within a locked room.