Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What should be monitored when using CO2 for euthanasia to ensure animal welfare?

1. Temperature

2. Concentration levels

3. Airflow

4. Light intensity

The correct answer is: Concentration levels

When using CO2 for euthanasia, it is crucial to monitor concentration levels to ensure the humane treatment of the animal. High CO2 concentrations can induce unconsciousness rapidly, but if levels are not managed appropriately, it may lead to an inhumane death through prolonged exposure or insufficient concentration, which could cause stress, distress, or pain to the animal. Maintaining the correct concentration level ensures that the animal experiences a swift and painless death, aligning with accepted welfare practices. It is vital to monitor the CO2 concentration continuously during the euthanasia process to adhere to ethical standards and regulatory guidelines ensuring that animal welfare is prioritized. While monitoring other factors, such as temperature, airflow, and light intensity, may contribute to the overall wellbeing of the animal in a laboratory setting, they are not directly related to the effectiveness and humaneness of the euthanasia process using CO2. Concentration levels are integral to ensuring that the euthanasia is conducted in a manner that minimizes suffering and adheres to best practices in animal care and ethical research.