Laboratory Animal Care Service
Forms and Instructions

The following represents a list of forms sometimes needed for KSU faculty and staff to utilize animals in teaching and research. Some forms are in pdf format, thus requiring Adobe acrobat reader or Adobe acrobat exchange for viewing and download. All researchers are required by the University to complete the IACUC protocol application; other forms may or may not apply. Step by step instructions for filling out the IACUC protocol application, and comments concerning the review process, follow below. NOTE: when printing out forms, it is helpful to turn off your option to print backgrounds (see "page setup") so that black letters will show up on a white (rather than shaded) background.

PART I. Forms

1. ARF 90 Animal Requistion form, Animal Resource Facility (ARF). This form is required when ordering any animals through ARF.
2. DEA 225. This is the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) individual researcher or teacher application for registration under the controlled substances act of 1970 (DEA 224 is the institutional application form). All individuals using or purchasing controlled substances (i.e. nembutal, ritalin, M 99, demerol, etc.) in the US are required to possess the permit. The cost is $130 for one year. Applications are also available by either writing or calling (option 5) the following: United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Station, PO Box 28083, Washington, DC 20038-8083 (202) 307-7255.
3. IACUC Application form This link takes you to the IACUC webpage where you can view and download the IACUC protocol application form. The form can be downloaded in Word or Wordperfect. Because the form is changed several times a year, please be sure to download a new form each time you submit a new protocol.
4. IACUC Teaching document form This link also takes you to the IACUC webpage where you can view and download forms that involve teaching protocols. First, simply look over the IACUC Type Protocol for Animal Use in Non-Invasive, Non-Painful Teaching, Observations, or Demonstrations (this is protocol 1698). It is a demonstration only; you need not download or print out this protocol. If you utilize animals in teaching and find that all procedures are painless, non-invasive and fit within protocol 1698, then simply download the addendum, fill it out, and send it in. The protocol will be reviewed by a special subcommittee to speed up the process. This addendum is a Word 6.0 document.
5. IACUC Training document form This link takes you to the IACUC webpage where you can download a pdf document. It represents the suggested format for submitting training qualifications of individuals performing animal research to Research and Sponsored Programs. You are free to develop your own training documentation forms.
6. IACUC Pain and Distress Observational Worksheet Examples This link again takes you to the IACUC webpage. You may view examples of animal pain and distress recording worksheets which are now required to accompany all category 2 and 3 protocols. You may use any one of the generic worksheets if one fits into your project, or you may opt to develop your own.
7. IBC Application forms All animal work involving infectious agents or other biohazards may not begin until the Institutional BioSafety Committee approves the protocol. This link takes you to the IBC webpage so that the appropriate forms may be downloaded.
8. Kansas State Board of Pharmacy application This link is to the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy webpage where research and training applications in pdf format may be downloaded for registration under the Kansas uniform controlled substances act of 1972. An application is needed by any researcher or teacher using or purchasing controlled substances within the state. The application fee is $140. Forms may also be ordered by either calling or writing the following: Kansas State Board of Pharmacy, Landon State Office Building, 900 Jackson, Room 513, Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-4056; toll free (888) RXBOARD; fax (785) 296-8420.

PART II. Instructions for filling out the IACUC protocol application

In 1999, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol application underwent major revisions in order to comply with federal guidelines. It continually undergoes revision and refinement as new rules and regulations become emphasized by the federal government. It is critical to download the updated forms whenever you are submitting a new application since outdated forms are viewed by the IACUC as containing insufficient information.

It is important to word the IACUC application concisely and in a format easily understood by non-scientists. By law, not all members of the IACUC are scientists and it is likely that few of the biologically oriented scientific members themselves are very familiar with your specific area of expertise. Thus, many members may not be able to understand the scientific jargon you commonly use in your grant applications, and the simple outcome of your select writing style almost certainly will be delays in approving your application. Each IACUC member reviews 15-20 applications each month, and the easier an application is to read the better chance it has of sailing through. A concise (yet specific), well organized protocol application that addresses the pertinent questions in a straightforward manner should be your goal. Cutting and pasting entire sections of NIH or NSF grants and all of the non-essential details and technical jargon annoys the committee and often delays the progress of your application.

Because of public disclosure laws, it is highly likely that your final, completed application will be publically accessed. Thus, it is very important that all applications be complete and correct and the committee often nit-picks seemingly minor details to assure federal compliance. Because nearly all applications need some degree of revision prior to final acceptance, you should retain the entire application on computer disk. Then, the requested changes can be made easily and in a timely manner and without addenda or other supplementation. Requested changes most frequently involve the need for clarification of specific procedures, or requests to avoid the use of particular terminology. Occasionally there may be directives by the IACUC that require an investigator to change his or her procedures but these are an exception rather than the rule. Try not to be offended if you are asked to revise your protocol. The requirements are often complicated, sometimes confusing, and the rules and regulations extensive. Few people with a normal psychological profile know them all. Virtually every question within the protocol application is there to satisfy a specific federal guideline or directive. Most researchers, including IACUC members engaged in animal research, are normally required to make some changes to their protocols. Perhaps the best way to look at the IACUC, and the protocol application procedure, is as a buffer. It helps to insure that the investigator is not inadvertently violating any federal laws for which legal complications might arise.

Title page

1. Title of Project/Course: This should be relatively concise and reflect the type of proposed study. For grant funded studies, it may be important to word the title of the grant and IACUC application precisely the same. If you plan to submit the grant to multiple funding agencies under different titles, be sure to relay this to Research and Sponsored programs when submitting an application. Multiple letters with the different grant titles can be issued under the same IACUC protocol umbrella. Alternatively, additional letters reflecting the different grant titles can be issued at a later date upon request. NOTE: If multiple grants are submitted using the same IACUC protocol number, and if the investigator happens to accept more than one grant (generally not ethical anyway), the committee HAS NOT authorized the investigator to use double the number of animals. A revised or new protocol will need to be submitted.
2. Species/Strain to be Used: Simply put rats, mice, pigs, calves, goats, rabbits, etc. here. If the animal is exotic, you may wish to include the nomen triviale (i.e. cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus).
3. Type of Application: Applications fall under 3 catagories; both new and renewal applications (boxes 1 and 3, respectively) undergo examination by each member of the committee. However, addendums and modifications (box 2) may or may not be seen by each committee member, depending upon the extent of the change. These are handled on a case by case basis. If you believe that your application may fit into the addendum/modification catagory, you should probably contact the chair of the IACUC anyway to see what types of paperwork need to be submitted. Also, be sure to check the appropriate box whether the application represents a teaching or research protocol.
4. Funding source: The letter of approval will usually specify the funding source/agency designated if applicable. If you wish the cover letter to offer more specifics, notify Research and Sponsored Programs.
5. Principal Investigator: Simply include the name, department affiliation, degrees, and campus phone number of the PI. The PI must be a faculty member at Kansas State University. Students and most other staff members are NOT allowed to be a PI on an IACUC application.
6. Campus Address: Building and room of the PI.
7. E-mail and Fax number: Sometimes information will be communicated to the PI by e-mail or FAX concerning IACUC queries or meeting times.
8. Co-Principal Investigators: If you plan to include any other faculty members as Co-PIs, then you may wish to include these names. All Co-PIs should read the application prior to its submission and be familiar with the experimental design. We suggest that the names of students not be included as Co-PIs.
9. For IACUC members only: Don't write in this box or you will look foolish. Note, however, that any pain Category 2 or 3 proposal is mandated to undergo full committee review. The IACUC formally meets the first and third Thursdays of each month somewhere on the main campus at 3:00 pm. If you have a Category 2 or 3 protocol, you will be specifically invited to attend the meeting so that you can address questions that might arise. Additional meeting times are also scheduled at various times depending upon special needs of an investigator.

The Animal Use Proposal

Name and Project Title: Again, include your name and title.

1. NON-TECHNICAL SYNOPSIS: Provide a concise, brief narrative of the proposed study. This should be written in non-scientific language, perhaps 200 words or less in length, similar to the abstract required by NIH or NSF. Remember, most committee members will not be able to follow your own type of scientific jargon so trying to impress them with your knowledge will not work in your favor. Indeed, it will result in members taking up additional time trying to wade through the morass and they will be annoyed. Suggested length: 1 paragraph with 5-10 sentences.
2. BACKGROUND: This is a simple, perhaps a one paragraph introduction/review of the literature. You simply want to make sure the committee members realize that there is a basis for your studies. Here again, use non-scientific language whenever possible and don't use references. Suggested length: 1/2 page or less.
3. LITERATURE SEARCH FOR UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION: This must be filled out. Cite the sources searched (i.e. Medline, CAB, Agricola, etc.), provide the years each database covers, the keywords you used in your search, and 1-2 sentences concerning your findings for each database. Do not provide the references. If you are making reagents, i.e. monoclonal antibodies to newly purified proteins, polyclonal antiserum to new antigens (i.e. not commercially available), testing newly generated pharmaceuticals in animals, or if the application involves teaching protocols, then state so. However, in many cases, a literature search will still be required to demonstrate that you are not duplicating the creation of a reagent that already exists at a reasonable cost. You should also search sources pertinent to your research. For instance, if you are working on cattle diseases and you simply list Medline as a search source, then you have obviously missed most of the pertinent literature since Medline misses many agricultural-related journals. If you have questions concerning the type of search engine you should use, contact Gayle Willard, 2-6006, who has been specifically trained to help researchers in this area. Do not include copies of the search results to the committee, but retain them for record keeping. Suggested length: 1/5 of a page or less. NOTE: For applications requiring necessary duplication (i.e. protocols involving teaching, monoclonal or polyclonal antibody production, etc.), a statement explaining why duplication is necessary needs to be added. Such a statement can be found at the IACUC website (second paragraph), and can be modified as appropriate.
4. OBJECTIVE\HYPOTHESIS: Very briefly, state the objective(s) of the study and the null hypothesis to be tested (i.e., do you expect or not expect a significant difference?). Some studies, i.e. monoclonal antibody and polyclonal antiserum generation, teaching protocols, etc., will have no hypothesis to test so simply state so. Suggested length: 1/5 of a page or less; perhaps only 1 sentence.
5. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
   1. Experimental design and general procedures: Describe the procedures to be used on the research animals. Try to be as concise as possible, and be sure to avoid too much scientific jargon. At least one-half of the people reading the application will be non-biology oriented, so confusion on their part (or anyones part) will breed inquiries, explanations, and overall delays. However, be complete enough so that the various parameters are adequately described. DO NOT cut and paste your entire NIH or NSF grant in here or you will certainly annoy virtually everyone on the committee. Here are some helpful hints:
      1. Be sure that the number of animals listed in the experimental design correspond exactly to the number of animals listed elsewhere within the proposal;
      2. If you are working with an infectious agent, be sure that you are well aware of the appropriate Biosafety level (BSL) for that pathogen and any federal permits needed to transport/work with that pathogen. Kansas State University has animal facilities for BSL-1 and BSL-2 pathogens. It does not have animal facilities for BSL-3 or BSL-4 pathogens;
      3. Know the exact details of all procedures in case you are contacted and asked to clarify specific points;
      4. Use a spell-checker program to correct errors. Pay particular attention to doses, amounts, etc. where type-Os can raise significant questions;
      5. Double-check to make sure the concentrations of reagents (i.e. ml) are truly correct;
      6. Explain how data is to be quantified/qualified; don't just say that you will be checking for clinical signs since that could include a wide variety of parameters. If you are counting or scoring something, then state what it is you plan to look for;
      7. If you are using experimental groups of animals, be sure that you clearly relay what is happening to each group. Sometimes it helps to simply itemize (i.e. group 1, group 2, etc.) and give the treatment regime for each.
      8. If a proposal is particularly involved, you may wish to break it down into 2 proposals, or at least provide some sort of flow chart to better explain it to members of the committee.
      9. Suggested length: 1/2 page (up to 2 pages for a detailed protocol). DO NOT cut and paste your entire grant here; describe only work pertaining to animal use.
   2. Non-animal alternatives considered: If other alternatives are available, i.e. in vitro alternatives, then state why they will not suffice to answer the questions in hand. It may be something as straightforward as stating that monoclonal antibodies cannot yet be generated in vitro, and that mice are the standard model for virtually all associated reagents.
   3. Animal model and species/strain justification: Briefly explain why you require your choice of animals (i.e., you are testing a drug to reduce hypertension in dogs so obviously dogs would be the only target animal; and, in vitro systems do not develop hypertension).
   4. Animals requested: This is a place to be specific about the species of animal(s) to be used, strain of animal, and if there are any problems you expect using a particular species (i.e. laboratory mice, Mus musculus, BALB/c, 20 per year, Vendor Annonymous Inc.). Do not leave this blank or you will be asked to revise the application.
   5. Justification for number of animals/Data analysis: State why you need the number of requested animals. If you plan to perform 20 fusions to generate monoclonal antibodies from mice, then obviously that corresponds to 20 mice. If you only need 20 ml polyclonal antiserum, then committee members are intelligent enough to know that this translates into 1 bunny or 2-3 large, retired breeder rats rather than 100 animals. However, if you are performing experiments with groups of animals, do not simply state that you are using the appropriate number of animals that will be statistically significant. The members hear this all the time and the standard reply that the IACUC will throw back at you is how did you really determine that exact number? The following lists some common problems that you should avoid:
      1. If you request 50 animals per group when 10 animals can show the same results, you will be denied 50 animals per group.
      2. If you propose 3-4 per group when 10-12 per group are required to get statistically meaningful results, then the committee will suggest you use additional animals per group.
      3. If you are not exactly sure of how many animals per group you will be using (i.e. you may be working with groups based on litter sizes or you have no idea how much variability will be found), then don't use jargon such as "...from previous experiments we have found this number to be required for statistical significance..." Since you don't know how many animals per group you will be using, the wording is nonsense. Sometimes you have absolutely no literature base to go on, so take your best guess (but state so) based on some form of related research.
      4. If you are involved in studies where multiple animals are housed within the same cage or pen, and the parameter you are measuring is something like fecal consistency, then you technically have an N=1 per group (i.e., you cannot tell the feces of one animal from another). This will not be acceptable and the committee will probably suggest that you house the animals individually.
      5. Be sure that the statistical tests cited are suitable for the type of proposed study.
      6. Be sure that adequate control groups are proposed. Additional animals may be suggested by the committee to assure that the results generated from the experimental animals are not wasted.
      The IACUC is very sensitive to all of the above issues (including NOT using enough animals to validate a study). You may wish to provide references that reveal appropriate number of animals per group in your field of research. This tends to go hand in hand with the literature review. NOTE: The IACUC has a statistician available for free consultation with investigators. On several occasions the statistician has shown investigators how to collect more data with fewer animals, thus saving the investigator time and money plus making a study more complete.
6. HUMANE CONSIDERATIONS: It is important to pay attention to details in this section of your proposal. The incorrect placement of animals within a particular category, and failure to provide detailed information if needed, will result in a rewrite of the application and a delay. Animals placed solely in Category 1 (no or momentary pain) do not require full committee review unless other problems arise. However, KSU is mandated to hold full committee reviews for all Category 2 and Category 3 proposals.
   1. Pain category: This is very critical and is carefully scrutinized by the members of the IACUC. If your animals are experiencing levels of pain or distress that are not particularly significant, then include all of the experimental animals under Category 1. If you are unsure whether animals in your experiments belong in Category 1 or not, one simple rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether a physician would prescribe an analgesic if you underwent the same procedure/infection/stress. Some specific examples are as follows:
      1. If you were hyperimmunizing 20 mice and performing terminal procedures to get splenic lymphocytes, then you would probably place all 20 in Category 1. This if you were talking about needle sticks and euthanizing animals in standard ways without causing significant pain or prolonged distress. Thus, under Species 1, you would write Mus musculus (mice), and under Category 1 you would write 20 (NOTE: under Categories 2 and 3 be sure to write 0 rather than leave them blank).
      2. If you were giving an animal an enteric virus that caused mild to moderate diarrhea, then you would place all animals in Category 1. However, if animals were experiencing severe diarrhea with prolonged pain, the potential for electrolyte imbalance/shock, or bloody stools because the organism was invasive, then you would be talking about non-Category 1 procedures.
      3. If you were performing some survival surgeries under anesthesia on 5 mice and another 15 did not undergo surgery or significant pain or stress, then the 5 alone would be placed in a category separate from the 15. There would probably be some pain involved until the wounds healed, and you may use some analgestic the first day or simply cover the wounds sufficiently. Thus, the 5 might best fit under Category 2 and the other 15 under Category 1 (note that there are many ways to relieve pain or distress without the use of controlled substances).
      If an investigator suspects that some of the animals in their proposal belong in Category 3, unalleviated pain or distress, then it is best to consult the chair of the IACUC to insure that the animals fit under this category. Animals in this category will generate considerable discussion among IACUC members who will attempt to explore alternative procedures with you. NOTE: Any study planning to utilize death as an endpoint, or look at 50% lethal doses of compounds, MUST place the animals in Category 3 (see further comments on this topic below).
   2. Pain and/or Distress Observation Form: All Category 2 and 3 protocols must attach a sample of their pain and/or distress observation form(s). If you are required to have the form, then check the yes box. Once checked, briefly describe how often you plan to observe the animals and record your observations on the form, and who will be performing the observations.
   3. Pain Alleviation: This normally pertains only to Category 2 and Category 3 proposals. Tell what means you will use to help alleviate pain and distress (i.e. analgesia, anesthetic, electrolyte therapy, types of behavior modifications, etc.). If you will be using drugs, list them and provide information on dosages and routes of administration.
   4. Alternatives to Painful Procedures: This pertains ONLY to Category 2 and Category 3 proposals. You must perform an extensive literature source search on alternatives to the painful procedures, provide the key words used and, if relevant, provide details on alternatives you've found. DO NOT include a copy of your search; simply keep it on file somewhere. List the searchable data bases used. This is different from the literature search you performed in section III as this one only pertains to painful alternatives and not to the overall experiment itself.
      1. Date of literature search. Simply provide the date when you conducted your literature search. Much be within one month of submitting your application.
      2. Databases Searched. List which databases you searched. Minimum of two required. Also provide the years the databases covered.
      3. Keywords/Search Strategy. Simply list the key words you used in your searches, the date(s) you performed the searches, and 1-2 sentences concerning the results. Do not list references.
      4. Concise narrative. 1-2 sentences each to describe what was found when searching each database.
   5. Painful Procedure Justification. Provide strong justification for the use of painful procedures. Members of the IACUC often consult experts in the field concerning alternatives and types of techniques, so they are often aware if an investigator really has a handle on alternatives. Analgesics should be mentioned here whether used or not.
   6. Attending Veterinarian Consultation. All procedures involving pain or distress of animals (Categories 2 and 3) requires an attending veterinarian to agree to act as a consultant. Dr. Bart Carter (2-5648), the attending University veterinarian, is available for such consultation and in most cases should be the person listed here. It is a conflict of interest to utilize a PI or Co-PI as an attending veterinarian. DO NOT list yourself here.
   7. Prolonged restraint: If the protocol involves keeping the animals restrained for periods greater than (perhaps) 15 min, then a written justification should go here. Examples might include restraint to prevent catheter removal, or suspension restraints to help offset the effects of gravity during bone resporption experiments. Restraints may be necessary to prevent animals from removing sutures or a cannula.
   8. Surgery: If no surgery is required, or if the procedure is immediately terminal, all one does is check NO and move on. However, if true surgery is involved, then items 1-6 should be filled out. Procedures such as spleen harvesting for monoclonal antibody production are not generally included under this category since it is terminal. You are instructed to describe the surgical procedure, room where the surgery is to be performed, document the qualifications/training of persons involved, detail how the animals will be treated post-operatively, if the surgery is multiple on a given animal (Note: special IACUC guidelines apply to multiple surgeries on the same animal), and whether the surgery is a survival surgery. Do not duplicate procedures found in the materials and methods section. Simply state in the materials and methods that the procedures will be described in greater detail later in this section. NOTE: If you opt to perform surgeries within your individual laboratory, then your laboratory will be inspected by the IACUC at 6 month intervals.
   9. Animal manipulations:
      1. Injections: If injections are involved, list the gauge of the needle, the type of compound to be injected, and route of administration.
      2. Drugs: This section applies predominately to a list of the drugs to be used for administration, although some substances might fit into both this and the above category. List pharmacological agent, exact dose, route of administration, etc. Of particular importance are controlled substances. Remember, both federal and state permits are required for any individual in Kansas to use a controlled substance.
      3. Biosamples: This involves tissue biopsies, blood and serum collection, feces, ascites collection, etc. The exact types of tissue, plus amounts, should be briefly listed.
      4. Tissue sharing: If you plan to give tissue samples to other investigators, list types of tissue, amount, and the investigators name.
      5. Other procedures: Simply list any procedures that you haven't placed elsewhere and you cannot find a place for them in any other catagory.
      6. Adjuvants: This category is the place to list all adjuvants and antigens used for hyperimmunization procedures. IACUC guidelines apply if Freund's complete adjuvant is to be used. It is to be used only when other alternatives are found to be unsuitable.
      7. Study endpoint: Describe how you will determine when the study will end. It may be after a defined number of days, when the animal is sufficiently hyperimmunized so that splenic lymphocytes are secreting antibodies in the appropriate amounts, or you may have some other parameter in mind. If there is a chance that animals could become moribund or die, then you must explain the parameters you will use to determine when to euthanize and show that you are checking the animals at regular intervals. Anytime animals might become ill enough to experience prolonged pain or die during the experiment cannot be placed in pain Category 1 (above). Please note that death as an endpoint must be explicitly justified, and all other alternatives considered, before the procedure will be approved.
      8. Euthanasia: If applicable, explain how animals are to be euthanized (i.e. which type of reagent/solution will be used and route of administration), and which individual or service (i.e. ARF or LACS) will be performing the procedure. If animals may experience pain or distress to a level where euthanasia may be needed, you must provide the parameters to be used in determining when to euthanize. Particular attention must be paid to the 1993 American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia report for types of approved euthanasia procedures.
      9. Animal disposition: State whether the animals are to be euthanized, placed up for adoption, released, sold, etc. Be sure to tell exactly how carcasses will be disposed of or at least which service (ARF, LACS) will be taking care of the disposal.
   10. Veterinary Care
       1. Husbandry Considerations. List the location where the animals are to be housed. If special housing conditions need to be met, then they need to be explained here as well.
       2. Animal Surveillance. List the individual(s) who check the animals daily during the experiment(s). Generally, this will be someone either on the research team, or perhaps a specially designated animal caretaker in ARF or LACS. Although ARF and LACS does check each laboratory animal on a daily basis, this in itself may not be sufficient here for some experiments.
       3. Medical Attention. List the person, and phone number, of the person who you will contact in the event of an immediate health problem with the animal(s). In most cases, this will be the attending veterinarian, Dr. Bart Carter, 2-5648.
       4. Wire bottom rodent caging. If you check the "yes" box, you must explain the rationale for using them. Long term maintenance of rodents on wire is strongly discouraged by the IACUC and requires justification.
7. INVESTIGATOR AND TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING: All individuals working on animals at KSU must have on file documentation that they have received the appropriate training. It may help to simply list the individual and state that the training document is on file with the Compliance Officer (Research and Sponsored Programs, Fairchild 01). Then, simply go through the checklist.
8. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL USE: If you answer yes to recombinant DNA or biological (infectious) agents here, you must provide an Institutional BioSafety Committee (IBC) registration document number. If a current IBC protocol is required but not yet approved, the IACUC sometimes allows the protocol to move through review but will not allow an investigator to utilize or order any animals until the IBC gives the final word. NOTE: the type of work approved by the IBC is cross-checked against the proposed animal work.
9. EXTRAMURAL FUNDING: If you are applying for an extramural award, it is important that all procedures listed on the IACUC application are consistent with those submitted to the funding agency. If the procedures submitted to the granting agency are not consitent with those approved by the IACUC and on file with the University, your applications may be considered fraudulent.
10. ClINICAL TRIAL. Simply mark the box appropriately. If the "yes" box is checked, you must provide the name of the product and the funding agency.

Whew! Once you run the prose through a spell-checker, simply sign the document, date it, and send it to the University Research Compliance Office in Fairchild 01. An application is not considered valid until signed by the investigator. By federal law, an IACUC protocol can only be approved for a maximum of 3 years before it must be re-reviewed. Thus, if you are writing a 4 or 5 year grant, any animal work performed in those latter years would come under re-review.

Review process

Once an application has been received, the document is photocopied and sent to all members of the IACUC. The committee members have one week to review the application and generate comments. After that, multiple possibilities exist. In the simplest scenario, there would be no problem and the animals would fall into Category 1 (no or momentary pain and distress). The protocol would then be sent to a designated reviewer for scrutiny and final approval (within 2 weeks). If there is a minor problem with the document, for instance some information is missing or unclear, the IACUC members may request clarification on specific points. All Category 2 (alleviated pain or drug relieved), Category 3 (unalleviated pain or distress), and questionable Category 1 (no or momentary pain or distress) proposals require a full committee review (the first and third Thursday afternoons of each month). The PI or his/her representative will be invited to attend the meeting (optional) to provide a very brief (i.e. 5 minutes or less) overview and then to clarify specific points. Individuals who are verbose, talkative, loquacious, prolix, garrulous, rambling, longwinded, confused, placating, and redundant will fall into disfavor.

Investigators may check on the status of their application at any time by either calling the Compliance Office at 532-3224 or by clicking on their individual proposal tracking number.

Because of the shear number of regulations now governing animal research, and because the IACUC forms have become more complex to comply with those regulations, few applications are approved without some form of modification or inquiry. Thus, the investigator should not feel singled out if the committee requests clarification. Indeed, to anticipate virtually everything the committee might require is nearly impossible. Following the review process, Research and Sponsored Programs will send each PI simple Occupational Health and Safety questionaires to be filled out by each individual involved in the project. This sheet is designed to insure that all individuals exposed to animals are properly vaccinated, and have no health problems that may affect themselves or the animals. Once the questionaires are reviewed and the type of animal use determined, individual fact sheets pertaining to specific animal-related diseases will be supplied to the investigator for review and distribution to all individuals involved.

Kansas State University | Laboratory Animal Care Service