Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which group is responsible for overseeing the ethical use of animals in research?

1. Institutional Review Board (IRB)

2. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

3. Animal Care Standards Association (ACSA)

4. National Institute of Health (NIH)

The correct answer is: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for overseeing the ethical use of animals in research. The primary role of the IACUC is to ensure that all aspects of animal care and use are in compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. This includes reviewing research proposals involving animals, evaluating the appropriateness of animal use, ensuring the minimization of pain and distress, and overseeing the proper care of animals. The committee typically includes veterinarians, scientists, and members of the community, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on animal welfare. By conducting regular inspections of animal research facilities and protocols, the IACUC plays a crucial role in safeguarding the ethical treatment of animals used in research and teaching. In contrast, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) focuses on human subjects in research, the Animal Care Standards Association (ACSA) is a non-profit organization that promotes good practices but does not have regulatory authority, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides funding and guidelines for animal research but does not directly oversee the ethical use of animals.