Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates the strength of the negative pressure in quarantine rooms?

1. Temperature variations

2. Humidity levels

3. Airflow measurements

4. Pathogen control

The correct answer is: Airflow measurements

The indication of the strength of negative pressure in quarantine rooms is best assessed through airflow measurements. Negative pressure environments are crucial in laboratory settings to prevent the escape of airborne pathogens. In a quarantine room, the airflow must be carefully monitored to ensure that air flows into the space but not out, maintaining a controlled environment that protects both the occupants and external surroundings. Airflow measurements provide quantitative data on how effectively the negative pressure is being maintained, which is critical for ensuring that contaminants do not exit the room. Monitoring is typically done using manometers or other specialized equipment that can accurately indicate whether the pressure within the room is lower than that of the surrounding areas. This aspect is essential in the context of laboratory animal facilities where minimizing the risk of pathogen transmission is a top priority. In contrast, temperature variations and humidity levels are important factors in the overall environment of a laboratory or quarantine space but do not directly reflect the strength of the negative pressure. Pathogen control refers to the overarching strategies and practices in place to eliminate or mitigate the presence of harmful microorganisms, which is influenced by but not indicative of the strength of the negative pressure itself. Therefore, airflow measurements are the most direct metric for assessing the strength of negative pressure in quarantine rooms.