IACUC Facility Inspections

“All PHS funded programs must conduct program reviews and facility inspections at least every 6 months. The standards in the Guide are used by the IACUC as the basis for conducting its reviews.” (OLAW)

Q1. How often must the IACUC conduct program reviews and facility inspections?

A1. Every six months, as required by the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy.

Q2. What standards are used by the IACUC for conducting facility inspections?

A2. The standards outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals are used as the basis for IACUC reviews.

Q3. What does a facility inspection include, according to OLAW?

A3. A physical review of all locations where animals are housed or used (more than 24 hours for non-USDA covered species and more than 12 hours for USDA covered species). This includes buildings, rooms, study areas (e.g., surgical or procedural locations), enclosures, transport vehicles, and satellite facilities (off-site central animal housing).

Q4. Who is allowed to participate in facility inspections?

A4. All IACUC members must be allowed to participate in the inspection; no member may be excluded.

Q5. What does the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations (AWAR) require regarding animal study areas?

A5. AWAR requires that all animal study areas where regulated species are maintained for more than 12 hours must be included in the semiannual facility inspections.

Q6. Is monitoring of animal care and use required?

A6. Yes, ongoing monitoring of animal care and use is required under both PHS Policy and the Guide. This is part of the IACUC’s responsibility to ensure continued compliance and animal welfare.

Q7. What are the methods of continuing review described in the Guide (p. 33)?

A7. The methods include continuing protocol review, laboratory inspections (conducted during semiannual or separate visits), observation of procedures by the veterinarian or IACUC, monitoring of animals by care personnel, and inspections or assessments by external regulatory agencies.

The standards outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals are used as the basis for IACUC reviews.

According to OLAW “Facility reviews are a physical inspection of all buildings, rooms, areas, enclosures and vehicles (including satellite facilities in which animals are housed for more than 24 hours) that are used for animal confinement, transport, maintenance, breeding, or experiments inclusive of surgical manipulation. No member wishing to participate in an evaluation may be excluded from participating. The Animal Welfare Act and Regulations (AWAR) require animal study areas where regulated species are maintained for more than 12 hours to be included in the semiannual facility inspections.”

Monitoring of animal care and use is required by the PHS Policy. The Guide (p. 33) describes methods for continuing review to include “continuing protocol review; laboratory inspections (conducted either during regular facilities inspections or separately); veterinary or IACUC observation of selected procedures; observation of animals by animal care, veterinary, and IACUC staff and members; and external regulatory inspections and assessments.

Rice University IACUC Laboratory Guidelines Checklist

OLAW Facility Inspection Checklist

Areas Requiring Inspection

  • Animal Resources Facility (animal housing and support areas)
  • Laboratories that include animal study areas

How often must the IACUC conduct program reviews and facility inspections?

Every six months, as required by the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy.

What standards are used by the IACUC for conducting facility inspections?

The standards outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals are used as the basis for IACUC reviews.

What does a facility inspection include, according to OLAW?

A physical review of all locations where animals are housed or used (more than 24 hours for non-USDA covered species and more than 12 hours for USDA covered species). This includes buildings, rooms, study areas (e.g., surgical or procedural locations), enclosures, transport vehicles, and satellite facilities (off-site central animal housing).

Who is allowed to participate in facility inspections?

All IACUC members must be allowed to participate in the inspection; no member may be excluded.

What does the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations (AWAR) require regarding animal study areas?

AWAR requires that all animal study areas where regulated species are maintained for more than 12 hours must be included in the semiannual facility inspections.

Is monitoring of animal care and use required?

Yes, ongoing monitoring of animal care and use is required under both PHS Policy and the Guide. This is part of the IACUC’s responsibility to ensure continued compliance and animal welfare.

What are the methods of continuing review described in the Guide (p. 33)?

The methods include continuing protocol review, laboratory inspections (conducted during semiannual or separate visits), observation of procedures by the veterinarian or IACUC, monitoring of animals by care personnel, and inspections or assessments by external regulatory agencies. The standards outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals are used as the basis for IACUC reviews.