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Animal Use Protocols

Who Must Submit a Protocol?

Any research or instructional use of animals by LSSU faculty, students or staff requires the submission of an Application to Use Vertebrate Animals in Research, Teaching or Testing (AUVA) to the IACUC. The protocol must be fully approved before an animal user may acquire, house or use animals. Copies of the application may be obtained from an IACUC member or from the office of the Dean of the College Health & Natural Sciences.

The Protocol Review Process

Protocols undergo preliminary review by the IACUC Chairperson who ensures that the proposal is complete and that animal use procedures conform with LSSU guidelines and policies. Following this preliminary review, the IACUC Chairperson will contact the applicant if clarifications or revisions are necessary. The protocol is then distributed to all IACUC members for review. The Committee may approve, give provisional approval subject to minor changes, defer a vote until more information is provided, or disapprove the protocol.

Information Required for the Protocol

The protocol application requires a nontechnical description of the research, a justification for the use of animals, a description of all procedures to be performed on animals and precautions to be taken to guarantee humane care and treatment. Thorough preparation of protocols facilitates the review process and reduces the chance of delay in initiating projects. Once approved, the protocol becomes a public document. Accordingly, investigators should anticipate that copies of the protocol may be requested by members of the general public and should make every effort to prepare protocols that are appropriately nontechnical and clear.

Timetable for Protocol Submission

To allow sufficient time for protocol review and verification of approval, applicants should submit protocols to the IACUC at least 8 weeks before the use of animals is to begin. This lead time is required because the IACUC meets only once per semester, and protocols frequently require revision before they can be approved.