Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Why should husbandry tasks for isolation areas be performed late in the day or shift?

1. To allow for longer work hours

2. To reduce animal stress

3. To reduce spreading airborne pathogens

4. To ensure facility hygiene

The correct answer is: To reduce spreading airborne pathogens

Conducting husbandry tasks for isolation areas later in the day or shift is primarily aimed at reducing the risk of spreading airborne pathogens. Isolation areas are designated specifically for housing animals that may be infected or at risk of disease. By timing husbandry tasks when there is lower traffic or when other areas of the facility are less active, the potential for cross-contamination and the transmission of pathogens is minimized. When staff perform tasks in these areas, they can also concentrate on maintaining a controlled environment where cleanliness and biosecurity are prioritized. This practice aligns with the principles of infection control by limiting the exposure of susceptible animals to potential airborne diseases that may be present in other parts of the facility. Reducing the movement and interaction between different work areas during these sensitive times contributes significantly to safeguarding the health of the animals in isolation. Other factors, while relevant to animal care, do not directly address the specific outcome of reducing pathogen transmission in isolation areas. Prioritizing the timing of husbandry tasks plays a crucial role in maintaining overall animal welfare and facility integrity in a laboratory setting.