AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician
Examination Animal Identification and
Restraint Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which identification method is considered a permanent micro-
identification technique commonly used in rodents that also allows
for automated data collection?
A. Ear notch
B. Microchip transponder
C. Sharpie tail marking
D. Cage card
Answer: B. Microchip transponder
Rationale: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchips are
implanted subcutaneously to provide a permanent, unique
alphanumeric code that can be read electronically without handling
the animal extensively.
2. When scruffing a laboratory mouse (Mus musculus), where should
the handler grasp the loose skin to achieve effective control of the
head without restricting respiration?
A. Directly over the larynx
B. At the base of the tail
C. Along the back above the tail base
,D. Along the neck and back from the base of the skull down to the
shoulders
Answer: D. Along the neck and back from the base of the skull down
to the shoulders
Rationale: Grasping an adequate fold of skin starting at the base of
the skull down to the shoulders stabilizes the mandible and prevents
the mouse from turning to bite while ensuring the airway remains
patent.
3. Which of the following identification methods for laboratory mice
is considered invasive and requires specific approval from the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) as well as
appropriate analgesia or early age application?
A. Tattooing
B. Toe clipping
C. Fur dyeing
D. Collar application
Answer: B. Toe clipping
Rationale: Toe clipping involves the removal of a digital phalanx,
making it an invasive procedure that the Guide for the Care and Use
of Laboratory Animals restricts to altricial neonates when no other
identification method is feasible, requiring strong scientific
justification and IACUC approval.
4. What is the primary safety hazard when restraining an adult
nonhuman primate (NHP) using a squeeze-back cage mechanism?
A. Eye splash from aerosolized pathogens
B. Pinment or crush injuries to the animal or handler
,C. Dislocation of the animal's shoulder joints
D. Rapid hyperthermia from mechanical friction
Answer: B. Pinment or crush injuries to the animal or handler
Rationale: Squeeze-back mechanisms push the animal to the front of
the cage for restraint or administration of compound; care must be
taken to prevent catching the monkey's limbs, fingers, or tail in the
moving bars, and handlers must avoid pinching their own fingers in
the apparatus.
5. Which ear notch numbering system standard utilizes the right ear
to represent tens and the left ear to represent ones?
A. Standard rodent ear notch system
B. Swine ear notch system
C. USDA bovine ear notch standard
D. Avian webbing system
Answer: A. Standard rodent ear notch system
Rationale: In standard rodent identification, notches on the animal's
right ear represent values in the tens column (10, 20, 30, etc.), while
notches on the left ear represent values in the ones column (1, 2, 3,
etc.).
6. When capturing and restraining a laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus
cuniculus), what critical physical consideration must be kept in
mind to prevent catastrophic injury?
A. Rabbits have weak neck muscles that snap easily during lifting
B. Support the hindquarters continuously to prevent lumbar spine
fracture
, C. Never touch a rabbit's ears as it causes immediate cardiac arrest
D. Rabbits must only be picked up by the loose skin of their throat
Answer: B. Support the hindquarters continuously to prevent
lumbar spine fracture
Rationale: Rabbits have high skeletal muscle mass relative to a light,
delicate skeleton; if the hind legs are allowed to kick violently without
support, the sudden spinal torque can break the L7 vertebra and sever
the spinal cord.
7. Which method of temporary identification is most suitable for
neonate mice before they develop ear tissue suitable for punching
or snip notches?
A. Microchip implantation
B. Ear tag application
C. Non-toxic permanent marker on skin or tail
D. Wing band application
Answer: C. Non-toxic permanent marker on skin or tail
Rationale: Neonate mice have thin, sensitive skin and small anatomy
that cannot hold ear tags or microchips without high risk of tissue
damage or loss; non-toxic marking provides a safe, temporary
solution.
8. Which restraint device is designed specifically to restrict
movement of a swine (Sus scrofa) by securing the upper jaw
behind the canine teeth?
A. Hog snare
B. Restraint box
Examination Animal Identification and
Restraint Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which identification method is considered a permanent micro-
identification technique commonly used in rodents that also allows
for automated data collection?
A. Ear notch
B. Microchip transponder
C. Sharpie tail marking
D. Cage card
Answer: B. Microchip transponder
Rationale: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchips are
implanted subcutaneously to provide a permanent, unique
alphanumeric code that can be read electronically without handling
the animal extensively.
2. When scruffing a laboratory mouse (Mus musculus), where should
the handler grasp the loose skin to achieve effective control of the
head without restricting respiration?
A. Directly over the larynx
B. At the base of the tail
C. Along the back above the tail base
,D. Along the neck and back from the base of the skull down to the
shoulders
Answer: D. Along the neck and back from the base of the skull down
to the shoulders
Rationale: Grasping an adequate fold of skin starting at the base of
the skull down to the shoulders stabilizes the mandible and prevents
the mouse from turning to bite while ensuring the airway remains
patent.
3. Which of the following identification methods for laboratory mice
is considered invasive and requires specific approval from the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) as well as
appropriate analgesia or early age application?
A. Tattooing
B. Toe clipping
C. Fur dyeing
D. Collar application
Answer: B. Toe clipping
Rationale: Toe clipping involves the removal of a digital phalanx,
making it an invasive procedure that the Guide for the Care and Use
of Laboratory Animals restricts to altricial neonates when no other
identification method is feasible, requiring strong scientific
justification and IACUC approval.
4. What is the primary safety hazard when restraining an adult
nonhuman primate (NHP) using a squeeze-back cage mechanism?
A. Eye splash from aerosolized pathogens
B. Pinment or crush injuries to the animal or handler
,C. Dislocation of the animal's shoulder joints
D. Rapid hyperthermia from mechanical friction
Answer: B. Pinment or crush injuries to the animal or handler
Rationale: Squeeze-back mechanisms push the animal to the front of
the cage for restraint or administration of compound; care must be
taken to prevent catching the monkey's limbs, fingers, or tail in the
moving bars, and handlers must avoid pinching their own fingers in
the apparatus.
5. Which ear notch numbering system standard utilizes the right ear
to represent tens and the left ear to represent ones?
A. Standard rodent ear notch system
B. Swine ear notch system
C. USDA bovine ear notch standard
D. Avian webbing system
Answer: A. Standard rodent ear notch system
Rationale: In standard rodent identification, notches on the animal's
right ear represent values in the tens column (10, 20, 30, etc.), while
notches on the left ear represent values in the ones column (1, 2, 3,
etc.).
6. When capturing and restraining a laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus
cuniculus), what critical physical consideration must be kept in
mind to prevent catastrophic injury?
A. Rabbits have weak neck muscles that snap easily during lifting
B. Support the hindquarters continuously to prevent lumbar spine
fracture
, C. Never touch a rabbit's ears as it causes immediate cardiac arrest
D. Rabbits must only be picked up by the loose skin of their throat
Answer: B. Support the hindquarters continuously to prevent
lumbar spine fracture
Rationale: Rabbits have high skeletal muscle mass relative to a light,
delicate skeleton; if the hind legs are allowed to kick violently without
support, the sudden spinal torque can break the L7 vertebra and sever
the spinal cord.
7. Which method of temporary identification is most suitable for
neonate mice before they develop ear tissue suitable for punching
or snip notches?
A. Microchip implantation
B. Ear tag application
C. Non-toxic permanent marker on skin or tail
D. Wing band application
Answer: C. Non-toxic permanent marker on skin or tail
Rationale: Neonate mice have thin, sensitive skin and small anatomy
that cannot hold ear tags or microchips without high risk of tissue
damage or loss; non-toxic marking provides a safe, temporary
solution.
8. Which restraint device is designed specifically to restrict
movement of a swine (Sus scrofa) by securing the upper jaw
behind the canine teeth?
A. Hog snare
B. Restraint box
