IACUC FAQ

1. What does IACUC stand for, and what is its primary function?

IACUC stands for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Protocol and is a standing committee charged under the Animal Welfare Act with representing “society’s concerns regarding the welfare of animal subjects...” The Committee oversees the University’s animal care and use program and is responsible for reviewing all animal care applications using vertebrate animals, ensuring compliance with federal animal welfare regulations, inspecting animal facilities and investigator laboratories, and investigating animal concerns.

For further information, refer to the IACUC website at: https://research.rice.edu/integrity/iacuc.

2. What is an Animal Care and Use Protocol, and why it is important?

The Animal Care and Use Protocol describes, in detail, how an investigator will utilize animals in their proposed research. This animal care and use protocol is submitted through Research Compliance System (RCS) online system.

3. How often does the IACUC review and approve animal care and use protocols?

The IACUC generally meets once each month throughout the year to review and approve animal care and use protocols.

4. Is Rice University’s Animal Care and Use Program accredited by AAALAC International and what does this accreditation signify?

Yes, Rice is accredited by AAALAC. The Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care — is an accrediting organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science, through voluntary accreditation and assessment. This accreditation means that Rice University has demonstrated that it meets all legal requirements, and supports the humane use of animals in research.

5. Who is eligible to be listed as a Principal Investigator on an IACUC protocol?

At Rice University, faculty members with tenure-track or research appointments are eligible to be listed as Principal Investigators (PIs) on IACUC protocols.

6. Who must be included as personnel on an IACUC protocol?

The IACUC requires that any individual who is involved with the care and use of animals or the use of animal tissues under the IACUC protocol. All personnel under the protocol must have completed the IACUC personnel requirements prior to their involvement with the care and use of animals and their approval to work on a protocol. Any user who is not actively working on the protocol needs to be removed.

7. What is the average time before IACUC approval is received?

On average, IACUC approval is received within 3-4 weeks of protocol submission. Approval times vary depending on the completeness of the protocol and the efficiency of the investigator in addressing the committee's questions regarding the submitted protocol. Therefore, it is recommended that the investigator plans for 4-6 weeks to obtain IACUC protocol approval.

8. Why is conducting a literature search necessary when writing an Animal Care and Use Protocol?

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations require principal investigators (PIs)/scientists to consider alternatives to procedures that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress to the animals. They must provide a written narrative to their Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that describes the methods and sources used to determine that alternatives were not available. Additionally, PIs/scientists must also provide written assurance that their activities do not unnecessarily duplicate previous experiments.

Alternatives to be considered include those that would:

  1. Replace animals with non-animal alternatives.
  2. Refine the procedures to minimize the discomfort that the animal(s) may experience.
  3. Reduce the number of animals used overall.
9. Under what conditions can an amendment be submitted instead of a new protocol?

An Animal Care and Use Protocol can be amended to include changes only if the changes are consistent with the original protocol objectives. If justification cannot be provided as to how the proposed changes fit in with the original protocol, a new Animal Care and Use Protocol should be submitted. Examples of acceptable amendments include:

  • Change in protocol title, PI, alternate contact, or funding source
  • Addition or change in the location of animal use
  • Request for additional animals
  • Additional strains or species requests
  • Modifications in drug dose and route of administration
  • Modification or addition of procedures (experimental, surgical, housing)
  • Changes in anesthetics or analgesics
  • Changes to methods of euthanasia
  • Modifications in pre-, intra-, and post-operative care

Refer to RU Guideline: Changes and Modifications to Approved IACUC Protocols (A24-0201 RU)

10. How long is an IACUC protocol approval valid and when does it expire?

IACUC protocols may describe plans for animal care and use for up to 3 years. IACUC-approved protocols come with a protocol approval letter that lists the 3-year expiration date.

11. What actions are required to continue work beyond the expiration of an IACUC protocol?

To continue research beyond the expiration date of an IACUC protocol, the Principal Investigator (PI) must submit a new protocol to the IACUC for review and approval, essentially requesting a renewal of the study; this typically involves a full re-submission of the protocol detailing the continued research objectives and procedures.

12. After receiving notification of protocol approval, when can I initiate the activities outlined in the protocol?

According to IACUC guidelines, you can initiate the activities outlined in your research protocol immediately after receiving written notification of approval from the IACUC; meaning you should start your animal research once you have received official confirmation that your protocol has been approved.

13. Is an approved protocol required before ordering or housing animals in the ARF?

Yes, you need an approved protocol from the IACUC before ordering or housing animals in the Animal Resources Facility.

14. How do the roles of the IACUC and the Animal Resources Facility (ARF) differ?

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): The IACUC is a standing committee of the university whose primary responsibilities include the review of animal research protocols (no animal work may begin until final approval is secured), oversight of the Rice University’s Animal Care and Use Program (primarily through semi-annual program reviews and facility inspections), post-approval monitoring of ongoing research, and investigating animal concerns. The IACUC is not involved in the day-to-day business operations of ARF (e.g., per diem charges/billing, animal procurement, and housing assignments).

Animal Resources Facility (ARF): ARF provides professional veterinary and husbandry services to support animals used in biomedical and behavioral research such as: animal procurement, transportation of animals, and veterinary care. ARF is not involved in the administrative aspects of the IACUC office (e.g. receipt, routing and processing of IACUC protocols).

15. May the IACUC administratively extend approval of a project that has expired?

NO. IACUCs do not have the authority to administratively extend approval beyond three years. When IACUC approval expires the protocol lacks valid approval. Continuation of animal activities in the absence of valid approval is a serious and reportable violation of PHS Policy (See NOT-OD-05-034) [A11], and may jeopardize both investigator and university funding. All activities involving the use of animals must stop immediately. Animals will go on the ARF Holding Protocol for only routine husbandry (no research manipulations) and federal funds may not be used to pay for housing per diems during this time.

16. Does the IACUC approve pilot studies, and if so, under what conditions?

Yes. Pilot studies may be appropriate to determine the technical feasibility of larger studies or to make initial assessments of the effect of procedures on animals (Guide pages 26, 28). Whether proposed by investigators or required by the IACUC, pilot studies require review and approval by the IACUC in accordance with the PHS Policy.

17. What is the proper process for disposing of a Controlled Substance?

Refer to the RU Guideline A23-0703-RU Use and Safe Storage of Controlled Substances.

18. What resources and support are available for investigators and IACUC members?