TEN TIPS

FOR SPEEDING UP APPROVAL OF YOUR IACUC APPLICATION

1. Allow enough time for processing of your application. Please keep in mind the time required for processing when submitting one copy of your completed protocol for veterinary, and administrative, and experimental agents screening. Whether submitting online via RIO, or not, you should allow approximately 8-10 weeks from the time your application is submitted until approval.

2. Please read through the entire application before filling it out. Whether you are submitting an item to the IACUC electronically via RIO, or on paper, the best way to assure a speedy approval is to carefully read each question and the instructions particular to that question before responding, answer all applicable questions, and be clear and complete while restricting your responses to the relevant sections of the application. Applications are screened for completeness and clarity in the office and may be returned without review if these standards are not met.

3. Make sure that the funding information is correct. The issue of previous or pending scientific merit review is critical to the review of the study. No study can be included on an agenda for review until this issues is addressed. If federal funding has been obtained, please submit a copy of the grant award statement (you can scan it and attach in RIO); then no additional scientific merit is needed. If, federal funding is pending and the investigator wishes to begin the study before funding is awarded, or if departmental funds are being used to support the study, then scientific merit review must first be obtained by the Departmental Review Committee. Or, scientific merit review may be obtained by one of the agencies on the IACUC List.

4. Make sure the background and specific aims of the study Objectives are written in non-technical, lay language. This is for two reasons: a) Not all members of the committee have the same level of scientific background; some members are nonscientists. b) If information needs to be released to the public about a particular study (which is something that is occurring more frequently as of late), then this section is critical for understanding the purpose of the study. It must be written in such a way that a nonscientist can understand the aims of the study.

6. Be sure to distinguish between sections Rationale and Alternatives to the use of Animals. That is, be sure that the justification for why live animals are needed is distinct from why the particular laboratory animal or animals have been chosen for the study. (i.e., "Explain why animals are required for your studies, and why replacements, such as cell culture or computer modeling, cannot fully replace animals." VS. "Explain why the proposed species are the most appropriate.")

7. Make sure the animal numbers are consistent throughout the protocol. The protocol asks for information about the numbers of animals to be used in several places. Often the numbers are not consistent or not clear. For example, the PI may not have made clear that more than one procedure will be performed on one animal.

8. Make sure the dosages of anesthetics and analgesics are correct and consistent. If you are uncertain, check with a veterinarian about the proper doses before submitting your application and follow his/her advice; you may also check the Formularies on this web site. The most common comment in a contingent letter is that the doses are incorrect and/or inconsistent within the protocol.

9. Describe clearly and in chronological order all procedures to be performed using animals so that the members have a clear picture of what will be done in the study. Often the best descriptions include a sequential breakdown of the experimental activities identifying the group/s of animals to be used in each.

10. Make sure that you have proper approvals to use experimental agents and other regulated materials that are included in your application. Contact OEH&S at 476-1300

11. Ask questions. If you are not sure how to fill out a section, then please consult with one of the LARC veterinarians or call the IACUC office at 476-2197.