What step must occur before a research study using animals begins?

What step must occur before a research study using animals begins?

• A. An animal use protocol needs to be submitted to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• B. An animal use protocol must be received by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• C. An animal use protocol must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• D. An animal use protocol needs to be examined by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Answer: (C)

Before any research using animals can begin, the study plan—the animal use protocol—must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Approval is the formal authorization that allows the work to proceed. The IACUC reviews the protocol to ensure humane treatment, minimize pain and distress with appropriate anesthesia or analgesia, justify the number of animals, and confirm that alternatives have been considered. It also verifies that personnel are trained, facilities and housing meet standards, and the project complies with applicable laws and policies. Submitting, receiving, or examining the protocol are part of the review process, but none of those steps alone allows starting the work; formal approval must be granted first. If adjustments are needed, the protocol is revised and re-reviewed until it receives approval.

Before any research using animals can begin, the study plan—the animal use protocol—must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Approval is the formal authorization that allows the work to proceed. The IACUC reviews the protocol to ensure humane treatment, minimize pain and distress with appropriate anesthesia or analgesia, justify the number of animals, and confirm that alternatives have been considered. It also verifies that personnel are trained, facilities and housing meet standards, and the project complies with applicable laws and policies. Submitting, receiving, or examining the protocol are part of the review process, but none of those steps alone allows starting the work; formal approval must be granted first. If adjustments are needed, the protocol is revised and re-reviewed until it receives approval.