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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

ALAT practice test to prepare for the Lab Animal Technician exam

Quick, free quiz for ALAT exam prep. Instant results and targeted review.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jacky KuoUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration showing lab animal technician tools scorecard on blue background for free ALAT practice test

This ALAT practice test helps you check essential skills in animal care, housing, handling, and safety for the Lab Animal Technician exam. See instant results, review answer explanations, and focus your study on weak spots. For more practice, try our alat certification practice exam, and build fundamentals with an animal science practice quiz.

Which of the following species is most commonly used as the primary rodent model in laboratory settings?
Hamster
Guinea pig
Mouse
Rat
The laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) is the most widely used rodent species due to its well-characterized genome, availability of inbred strains, and extensive historical data. Mice offer genetic consistency and are cost-effective for breeding and maintenance. Their small size and rapid reproduction make them ideal for research.
According to USDA regulations, how often must laboratory rodents be observed to ensure their welfare?
Daily
Twice daily
Weekly
Hourly
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that all regulated species of laboratory animals, including rodents, be observed at least once daily to assess general health and well-being. Daily observation helps to identify illness, injury, or stress promptly so that corrective action can be taken. This standard is outlined in the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations.
What is the primary anatomical feature used to determine the sex of adult laboratory rats?
Placental crest
Vibrissae length
Anogenital distance
Tail-to-body length ratio
In adult rats, males have a significantly longer anogenital distance compared to females, making it the most reliable external indicator of sex. The difference in this distance is due to the influence of androgens during development. This method is commonly used in breeding and health monitoring.
Which type of bedding material is recommended for rabbit enclosures to minimize respiratory irritation?
Cedar shavings
Aspen shavings
Pine shavings
Corncob bedding
Aspen shavings are preferred for rabbit bedding because they lack the aromatic hydrocarbons found in pine and cedar that can cause respiratory irritation. Aspen is absorbent, provides good odor control, and has a lower dust level suitable for rabbit airways. This makes it a safer choice for long-term housing.
In sentinel monitoring programs, how frequently are sentinel animals typically tested for common rodent pathogens?
Monthly
Semi-annually
Annually
Quarterly
Sentinel animals are generally tested quarterly (every three months) in established monitoring programs to detect common rodent pathogens. This frequency balances timely detection with resource management, ensuring colonies remain free of infections. Guidelines from FELASA recommend quarterly sentinel screening for viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents.
What is the recommended pH range for acidified drinking water in rodent facilities to inhibit bacterial growth?
6.0-7.0
7.0-8.0
2.5-3.5
4.5-5.5
Acidified drinking water is used in rodent facilities to suppress microbial proliferation, particularly Pseudomonas species. The optimal pH range to achieve this effect is between 2.5 and 3.5. Maintaining pH within this range ensures taste is acceptable to rodents while effectively controlling bacterial growth.
Which of the following injectable anesthetic protocols is commonly used for surgical procedures in mice?
Pentobarbital 50 mg/kg + Diazepam 5 mg/kg
Propofol infusion 10 mg/kg/h
Isoflurane inhalation 2%
Ketamine 100 mg/kg + Xylazine 10 mg/kg
A combination of ketamine (100 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg) is a standard injectable anesthetic protocol for mice, providing adequate anesthesia and muscle relaxation for many surgical procedures. The ketamine provides a dissociative anesthetic effect, while xylazine offers sedation and analgesia. This protocol is well-characterized and widely used in research settings.
A rodent housing room has a volume of 135 m3 and a supply airflow rate of 1080 m3 per hour. What is the approximate air changes per hour (ACH) for this room?
12 ACH
10 ACH
6 ACH
8 ACH
Air changes per hour (ACH) is calculated by dividing the supply airflow rate by the room volume. In this case, 1080 m3/h ÷ 135 m3 equals 8 ACH. Proper ACH ensures adequate ventilation, temperature control, and removal of airborne contaminants in animal facilities.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand proper cage sanitation protocols -

    Learn the critical steps and best practices for cleaning and disinfecting animal housing to maintain a safe and healthy laboratory environment.

  2. Apply health monitoring techniques -

    Recognize normal versus abnormal animal behaviors and physiological signs, and respond appropriately to ensure optimal welfare.

  3. Demonstrate safe animal handling and restraint -

    Master humane handling methods and restraint procedures that protect both the technician and the laboratory animals.

  4. Evaluate regulatory guidelines and ethical standards -

    Recall key policies and professional standards from the ALAT practice exam to ensure compliance with laboratory animal care regulations.

  5. Analyze performance using ALAT quiz questions -

    Use our alat practice test to identify knowledge gaps, track your progress, and focus your study efforts for maximum exam readiness.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Optimal Cage Sanitation -

    Master a consistent 12 - 24 hour cage change routine using the "CIDE" mnemonic: Cleaning, Inspection, Disinfection, Evaluation to minimize ammonia build-up (AALAS, 2021). For disinfectant, use a 1:100 bleach-to-water ratio (10 ml bleach per liter). Practicing this will help you breeze through related ALAT practice test questions on hygiene standards.

  2. Body Condition Scoring & Health Monitoring -

    Use a 1 - 5 scale to assess body condition in rodents and lagomorphs: 1 = emaciated, 5 = obese (NC3Rs, 2022). Combine this with the ABCDE check (Appearance, Behavior, Clinical signs, Defecation, Eating) for a rapid health assessment. Familiarity with these metrics boosts accuracy on ALAT quiz questions about welfare checks.

  3. Species-Specific Restraint Techniques -

    Apply the "SAFER" method: Support, Align, Firm yet gentle hold, Eye contact, Respiration watch, to reduce stress during handling (Cornell Vet, 2020). For example, lift mice by the base of the tail and secure their bodies against your hand. Confidence in these techniques ensures top scores on your alat practice exam.

  4. Anesthesia Dosing & Euthanasia Protocols -

    Calculate injectable anesthesia using Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dose (mg/kg) ÷ Concentration (mg/ml) to administer precise volumes (AVMA Guidelines, 2023). Employ CO₂ or pentobarbital overdose per AVMA's refinement standards and the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). Clear understanding of these protocols answers key ALAT practice exams questions on humane endpoints.

  5. Record Keeping & Regulatory Compliance -

    Use the "CRISP" mnemonic for logs: Cage records, Records of procedures, Inspections, SOPs, Protocols, ensuring USDA and OLAW alignment (USDA APHIS, 2021). Maintain daily entries for health checks, treatments, and environmental parameters. Solid documentation skills translate into confidence on your ALAT practice test's regulatory sections.

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