Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Under which condition can experimental work with animals commence?

1. When the research proposal is submitted

2. When the funding is approved

3. When the animal use protocol has been approved by the IACUC

4. When the laboratory is fully equipped

The correct answer is: When the animal use protocol has been approved by the IACUC

The commencement of experimental work with animals is contingent upon the approval of the animal use protocol by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This is a critical step because the IACUC is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of animal welfare, ethical considerations, and compliance with regulations are met before any research begins. This includes reviewing the proposed research methods to assess their necessity, potential for harm, and overall justification for using animals in the study. The approval from the IACUC signifies that the proposed research adheres to ethical standards and that the welfare of the animals is prioritized. Only after this oversight and validation can research personnel be assured that they are conducting their experiments within the guidelines established by institutional and federal regulations. Therefore, without this approval, any experimental work involving animals cannot ethically and legally begin.