Can You Use Rats on Babies?
WouterPCR tests, or polymerase chain reaction, are a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing respiratory viruses. Usually conducted by a medical laboratory, the PCR test requires a sample of nasal secretions. The sample is collected by inserting a nasal swab into the child’s nostrils and is sent to a pathology laboratory for testing.
Rats are small, furry rodents with scattered black hairs and grayish brown undersides. They shed more than 500,000 body hairs annually and have incisor teeth. They chew on a wide variety of materials, including wood, concrete, aluminum siding, and wallboard. They can also chew on frozen ground or concrete. They also have a keen sense of taste and smell.
RAT tests are not recommended for very young children. Rather, staff should only conduct the tests when a child shows signs of illness. It is important to follow the instructions on the rapid antigen test kit carefully. The Tasmanian Government offers five different brands of RAT kits. Each brand has slightly different instructions for completing the test. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, and check the expiry date.
Rats have an interesting reproductive cycle. Female rats often mate within 18 hours of giving birth. The gestation period is 21 days, and a litter can contain two to fourteen pups. The average litter size is seven. The female rat can continue breeding until she is about 18-24 months old. Despite being nocturnal, rats will breed year-round, provided they have enough food and shelter.
