Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What type of microisolation cage is not mechanically ventilated?

1. Static microisolation cages

2. Population microisolation cages

3. Dynamic ventilated cages

4. Filtered air cages

The correct answer is: Static microisolation cages

Static microisolation cages are designed to provide a controlled environment for laboratory animals without the use of mechanical ventilation. These cages rely on passive airflow and natural convection to maintain air quality and temperature rather than fan-driven circulation. This method is often applied in small-scale experiments or when housing a few animals, ensuring that external contamination is minimized while also maintaining a stable microenvironment. In contrast, mechanically ventilated options, such as dynamic ventilated cages or filtered air cages, utilize fans to actively circulate air, which helps in controlling the environmental conditions more rigorously. Population microisolation cages can vary in their design, but many are also mechanically ventilated to accommodate groups of animals while providing adequate airflow. The absence of mechanical ventilation in static microisolation cages makes them particularly suitable for specific research settings where the simplicity, stability, and passive air management are prioritized.