Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What describes animals that may carry an unknown, uncontrolled variety and number of organisms?

1. Specific Pathogen-Free

2. Gnotobiotic

3. Germfree

4. Conventional

The correct answer is: Conventional

The correct response is the term that refers to animals that may carry an unknown, uncontrolled variety and number of organisms is conventional. This term describes animals that are kept in a typical research or laboratory environment, where they are exposed to environmental pathogens and other microbes. Unlike specific pathogen-free and gnotobiotic animals, which are maintained under strict conditions to limit or control the microbial population, conventional animals can harbor a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which may vary significantly among individuals. This unpredictability in microbial flora can influence research outcomes and complicate the interpretation of experimental data. Specific pathogen-free animals are selectively bred or treated to be free from specific known pathogens, while gnotobiotic animals are maintained in environments where the microbiome is well defined and controlled, allowing for the study of specific microbial interactions. Germfree animals, on the other hand, are completely devoid of all microorganisms, which is a drastically different state compared to conventional animals. The variability and lack of control in conventional settings highlight the challenges researchers face when working with these subjects, making this a critical understanding in laboratory animal science.