Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What role does the cage card play in animal facilities?

1. Identifying animal species

2. Tracking animal health

3. Indicating animal diet

4. Providing animal identification

The correct answer is: Providing animal identification

The cage card serves a crucial function in animal facilities as it provides essential animal identification information. Each card typically displays relevant details about the specific animal housed within that cage, such as the animal's unique identification number, species, strain, and sometimes the sex and age. This allows staff to easily recognize and track individual animals, ensuring that the right care is administered and appropriate protocols are followed for each specific animal. Regarding the context within an animal facility, while identifying animal species and tracking health are important, these tasks are often part of broader management systems and may not be the primary role of the cage card. The cage card directly links to the identification aspect, making it vital for maintaining accurate records and ensuring effective communication among staff about the specific animals in their care.