IACUC & Animal Research Compliance

Assessment for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee compliance, USDA Animal Welfare Act, and PHS Policy for vertebrate animal research

ResearchBiotechPharmaUniversity minutes18 questions

1. IACUC Structure & Function

Is IACUC properly constituted with required members (veterinarian, scientist, non-scientist, unaffiliated)?*

AWA/PHS requires: ≥5 members including DVM, practicing scientist, non-scientist, community member (unaffiliated)

Does IACUC meet at least monthly with convened quorum for protocol reviews?*

Quorum: Majority of members including veterinarian; designated member review (DMR) allowed for modifications only

Are semiannual facility inspections and program reviews conducted by IACUC?*

Semiannual (every 6 months): Inspect all animal facilities, review program, report deficiencies to IO, correct within timeline

2. Protocol Review & Approval

Are all animal use protocols reviewed and approved by IACUC before initiation?*

Protocol required for: Teaching, research, testing, any manipulation of live vertebrates (not just regulated species)

Do protocols address the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement?*

3Rs: Justify animal use, minimize numbers, reduce pain/distress, consider alternatives (literature search documented)

Are protocols reviewed at least triennially (every 3 years) for active continuation?*

Triennial review: Full protocol re-review or annual renewal with continuation review; cannot extend beyond 3 years

3. Animal Care Standards

Are animals housed in species-appropriate caging with environmental enrichment?*

Guide standards: Minimum space per animal, temperature (20-26°C), humidity (30-70%), light cycle (12:12)

Is clean food and potable water available ad libitum (unless protocol-justified restriction)?*

Water quality: Testing for contaminants; feedstuff: Certified, protected from vermin, stored properly

Are husbandry procedures (cage changing, sanitation) performed per Guide standards?*

Sanitation: Cage change 1-2x/week, disinfection, pressure washing, temperature verification (180°F or chemical)

4. Occupational Health & Safety

Is an Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHSP) in place for animal care personnel?*

OHSP: Risk assessment, medical surveillance, immunizations (rabies, tetanus), allergy management, training

Are personnel trained in zoonotic disease risks, allergies, and bite/scratch protocols?*

Training: Species-specific hazards, injury reporting, post-exposure prophylaxis, personal protective equipment

Are animal bites/scratches reported and medically evaluated within 24 hours?*

Bite/scratch protocol: Immediate first aid, supervisor notification, medical evaluation, infection monitoring

5. Veterinary Care

Is an attending veterinarian (AV) appointed with authority over animal care?*

AV: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), training/experience in lab animal medicine, direct/delegated authority

Are animals observed daily for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior?*

Daily observation: Health checks by trained personnel, prompt veterinary notification, treatment or euthanasia

Is a veterinary care program documented with disease surveillance and treatment protocols?*

Veterinary program: Quarantine, sentinel programs, preventive medicine, clinical records, formulary

6. Recordkeeping & Reporting

Are USDA Annual Reports (Form 7023) submitted by December 1 for regulated species?*

USDA Annual Report: Dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits; pain/distress categories

Are IACUC minutes, protocols, and semiannual reports maintained for 3 years?*

Recordkeeping: IACUC meeting minutes, protocol files, inspection reports, assurance with OLAW/USDA

Are adverse events, protocol deviations, and animal welfare concerns reported to IACUC and IO?*

Reporting: Unexpected outcomes, unapproved procedures, veterinary concerns; IACUC investigates and reports to OLAW/USDA

Please answer all required questions to see your results