Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which types of studies commonly use biocontainment caging systems?

1. Behavioral studies, Tox studies

2. Aging studies, Infectious disease studies

3. Infectious disease studies, Tox studies

4. Genetic studies, Behavioral studies

The correct answer is: Infectious disease studies, Tox studies

Biocontainment caging systems are primarily designed to safely house animals in research settings where infectious agents or hazardous biological materials are present. This ensures that any pathogens do not escape into the environment and that the research is conducted under strict safety protocols. Infectious disease studies often require biocontainment because these studies may involve pathogens that can pose risks to human health or the ecosystem. Using specialized caging allows researchers to observe the effects of infections while preventing the spread of diseases. Toxicology (Tox) studies might also involve substances that have the potential to harm both the animals and humans. In certain cases, these studies require biocontainment protocols to ensure that any adverse effects from the test substances do not adversely impact the environment or laboratory personnel. The combination of infectious disease and toxicology studies represents scenarios where biocontainment is critical to ensure safety, control exposure risks, and maintain the integrity of the research, making this choice the correct answer.