Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a quarantine room for newly received animals?

1. To prevent the spread of disease

2. To enhance growth rates

3. To reduce stress levels

4. To facilitate immediate use in studies

The correct answer is: To prevent the spread of disease

The purpose of a quarantine room for newly received animals is primarily to prevent the spread of disease. When animals are introduced into a facility, they may carry pathogens that are not immediately apparent. By isolating these animals for a designated period, the staff can monitor their health and conduct necessary tests to identify any potential diseases before the animals interact with the larger population. This practice is crucial in maintaining the overall health of the facility's residents and ensuring that any infectious diseases do not spread among other animals or compromise research integrity. The other options, while important in their own right, do not accurately reflect the primary objective of a quarantine room. Enhancing growth rates and reducing stress levels are beneficial outcomes that may result from proper husbandry practices, but they are not the central intent of quarantine. Similarly, facilitating immediate use in studies contradicts the very purpose of quarantining animals, which is to ensure they are healthy before being incorporated into research protocols.