The University of Iowa
Vertebrate Animal Research

Post-approval Monitoring of Animal Protocols

Once an investigator receives IACUC approval of their Animal Protocol, continued review by the IACUC will be performed by several different means1, 2 :

 

  • Semi-annual inspections of the following areas:
    • Animal housing facilities and support space
    • Satellite housing outside OAR facilities (defined as >12 hours for USDA regulated species and >24 hours for non-USDA regulated species*)
    • Surgical spaces
    • Core Facilities where vertebrate animals are used

*Non-USDA regulated examples include birds, mice (mus) and rats (rattus) bred for research, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

 

  • Site visit performed* to:  
    • Discuss updates to IACUC/OAR policies and guidelines
    • Facilitate compliance with currently approved Animal Protocol
    • Provide recommendations for amendments to an approved Animal Protocol
    • Evaluate any non-surgical animal procedural spaces

* every 1-2 years depending on species utilized and nature of study

 

  • Annual usage form for USDA-regulated species protocols:  
    • Seeks required feedback from the PI regarding federal fiscal year usage and USDA pain categorization.

 

 What should I expect during a facility and surgical site inspection?

The PI and the lab designee (if known) will be notified twice a year (i.e. semi-annually) when their facility is scheduled for inspection.  During inspections the IACUC members (or IACUC designee) will evaluate:

  • appropriateness of space
  • overall cleanliness
  • appropriate disinfection/sanitation practices
  • proper storage of agents, supplies, etc.
  • proper recordkeeping (surgical and post-surgical monitoring, special husbandry logs, etc.), as appropriate

Following the inspection, the lab will receive notification of any concerns identified.

 

What should I expect during my site visit and protocol review?

The PI and the lab designee will be contacted to schedule a time to conduct the site visit and protocol review.  During the site visit the IACUC designee will perform:

 

  • Inspection of the non-surgical animal procedural spaces which will involve the same general criteria mentioned above
  • Review of:
    • Updates to IACUC and/or OAR policies and procedures
    • Currently approved Animal Protocol procedures and personnel
      • If there are any recommendations (e.g. amendments, best practices)

Following the site visit, the PI will be provided with a summary of the results of the visit.

 

Compliance questions, animal welfare concerns, or to self report a non-compliance please contact iacuc-pam@uiowa.edu.

  1. Public Health Service (PHS) Policy IV.B.1-8 (administered through Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, OLAW)
  2. Animal Welfare Regulations 9CFR. 2.31(c)(1)-(8) and 2.31(d)(5)(6) & (7) (administered through USDA-APHIS)

 

Animal Protocol