The IACUC Protocol Literature Review
When a researcher, instructor or anyone else plans to use animals in their experiments, instructions or other activities, they must seek the approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
The goal of this committee is to ensure that animals used for these purposes do not come under undue stress or pain. In order to best determine whether or not a proposal is in line with the regulations outlined by both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), the IACUC asks that a formal protocol be filled and submitted for review.
The protocol will ask for the primary investigator to detail their request for animal use and defend their case. For example, the number of animals requested might be 300, but you will need to explain WHY it can't be less.
In order to demonstrate that you have thoroughly investigated alternatives to the animal use you are planning, the protocol requires a literature review. This section of the protocol allows for you to detail the research you conducted into the ethics surrounding your proposal and should not be taken lightly.
Please explore this guide's tools and tips to achieve a better prepared protocol.
