Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Animals in facility caging are most commonly identified using what method?

1. Microchipping

2. Electronic tags

3. Cage cards

4. Visible markings

The correct answer is: Cage cards

Cage cards are the most commonly used method for identifying animals in facility caging because they provide essential information about the animal in a clear and easily readable format. These cards typically include details such as the animal's species, strain, sex, age, identification number, and relevant health information. This method allows for quick visual access to critical data, which is essential for maintaining accurate records and ensuring proper care and monitoring of the animals. In research and laboratory environments, where animals are often housed in groups, cage cards help staff identify individual animals without needing to physically inspect each one, minimizing stress for both the animals and the personnel involved. Other methods like microchipping and electronic tags may be used in specific contexts but are not as universally common for routine identification due to their complexity and the need for specialized equipment. Visible markings can be impractical or harmful to the animals and may not contain comprehensive information.