IACUC: Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: January 26, 2022 12:41:23 PM PST
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Expand section Computer Access
How do I log in?
Log in to the Animal Protocol System.
You can also click the "LOG IN to Animal Protocol System" link located on the left side of the IACUC homepage to login via Single Sign-on.
Where do I get help for computer problems?
The IACUC web site is best viewed with IE 8.0/higher or Firefox 4.0/higher and COOKIES TURNED ON. When you are in the Online Form, do NOT use your browser BACK key. For technical assistance, please call your departmental computer support first, then email AUPSHelp@ucsd.edu.
Expand section Forms
Where do I get help with online forms
First, click on the hyperlinks in the protocol for further help each question. If you still need help, call 858-534-6069.
Free consultation on anesthetics, analgesics, and surgery may be scheduled with the Animal Care Program veterinary staff at acp-veterinarians-l@ad.ucsd.edu.
Who must apply to the UCSD IACUC?
You must have an Animal Use Protocol approved by the UCSD Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before you can conduct any project involving research, teaching, or testing using live, vertebrate animals at UCSD. The protocol must be approved by the IACUC before you can begin the proposed activity. Only UCSD faculty members or individuals otherwise eligible to apply for research grants through UCSD may be the Principal Investigator on an Animal Use Protocol. The use of animals in research, teaching and testing is a privilege of faculty at UCSD, not a right, and it may be withheld or revoked by the IACUC.
Can I save my work and come back later?
Yes. Click on the button that says "Save Protocol and Continue". You may come back at anytime and continue to fill out the form.
Can I put more than one species on my protocol?
No. Each protocol should include all of the experiments and procedures that you will perform on one species.
What should I do if I am working on more than one species?
Use the menu choice “Clone a Protocol” to create a copy of any protocol; the clone will appear with a new Protocol Number. You may then edit any aspect of the protocol and submit.
Can I have someone else fill out my Animal Use Protocols?
The UCSD IACUC encourages Principal Investigators to write and submit each Animal Use Protocol. The online form makes it easy to give complete and correct answers.
Can I let someone else fill out my Personnel Qualifications Form?
No. The IACUC has determined that each person who uses animals must fill out his/her own Personnel Qualifications (PQ) Form. You may not fill out this form for another person.
How long does it take to review my Personal Qualifications Form before I receive approval?
Your Personal Qualifications Form will be reviewed within a few business days and you will be notified by email of any classes required or other requirements.
Can I attend training classes prior to filling out and submitting a Personal Qualifications Form?
Yes, although it is recommended that you fill out the Personal Qualifications Form as early as possible to avoid any possible delays.
Will training taken at other universities count in lieu of the UCSD training program?
Anyone performing animal research at UCSD must take, at a minimum, the "Orientation to Animal Research at UCSD" class. Additional training may be required, depending on background, experience, procedures, and/or species.
Do I need to fill out all sections of the Animal Use Protocol?
Yes. You need to answer each question in order to submit the Animal Use Protocol. If you do not answer every question you will not be allowed to submit the Protocol. If an answer is incomplete, your Animal Use Protocol may be delayed and you will receive an email from the IACUC asking for more information.
What if I can’t answer a question on the form?
First, check out the hyperlink help for the question. If you still need help, please call the IACUC office at 858-534-6069. An IACUC administrator may help you or refer you to an analyst for more help.
Can I see a list of my Animal Use Protocols?
Yes. After you log in you will have a menu of options. Choose List existing protocols.
How can I decide which Pain and Distress Category my experiments are in?
The USDA regulations require UCSD to report each year on the number of animals used and the pain category of each animal. We must therefore ask you to include this on your protocol. Please refer to Policy 26 for more information on Pain and Distress and proper categorization.
Must I complete the Animal Protocol application if I use only snails, shrimp, bees, worms, coral, or microorganisms in my research to teaching/instruction activities?
No. You only need to complete the animal use application if you are working on a vertebrate animal. PHS Policy defines an animal as “any live, vertebrate animal used or intended for use in research, research training, experimentation, or biological testing, or for related purposes”. The Animal Welfare Act Regulations (AWAR) define an animal as “any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warm-blooded animal, which is being used or is intended for use for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet. This term excludes birds, and rats and mice bred for use in research.” The IACUC ensures the campus is in compliance with all regulations by applying the AWAR and PHS regulations to all vertebrate animal use on campus for teaching and research. If you have a question about your particular circumstances, please call 858-534-6069.
Who should be listed on a protocol?
Everyone with direct animal contact must be listed. New personnel must be added to a protocol prior to their use of laboratory animals. Each person must also complete and submit a Personnel Qualifications Form.
Can I get help with writing my animal use protocol?
Yes. Email iacuc@ucsd.edu or call the IACUC office at 858-534-6069. For consultation on animal procedures, veterinary care, anesthesia, analgesia or surgery, please email acp-veterinarians-l@ad.ucsd.edu.
Expand section How do I?
What if I want to purchase custom antibodies?
If you require the production of custom antibodies from an off-site vendor, please be aware that all custom antibodies and bio-products must be obtained only from vendors or institutions that are PHS-assured, AAALAC-accredited, and USDA-registered (if USDA-covered species are involved). Please see list of preapproved custom antibody vendors.
How do I get animal facility access?
Instructions are available at http://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/iacuc/overview/registration.html#Obtain-vivarium-access
Who do I call if I have a question about animal anesthetics, analgesia, surgery, monitoring, or training in procedures?
The Animal Care Program has many services, equipment and training available to you. For a consultation on anesthetics or analgesia email acp-veterinarians-l@ad.ucsd.edu.
Who can I call with a question that is not on these FAQs?
Please call the IACUC Office at 534-6069. We will be glad to answer your question or direct you to the help you need.
Who should I contact if my project involves hazardous biological agents or radioactive material?
UCSD Environment, Health and Safety has a website with detailed information about obtaining a BUA or RUA and also contains valuable information on the employee occupational health program, ergonomics, chemical safety, and hazardous waste.
Do I need to participate in the Occupational Health Program and medical surveillance?
Yes. You will need to submit Forms A and B located online at the EH&S web site if you work with animals.
Who should I call if my project includes a Controlled Substance? Many anesthetics and analgesics such as Ketamine, Pentobarbital, and Buprenorphine are DEA-Controlled Substances.
Contact the EH&S Controlled Substances Program at ehscs@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-1362 for assistance. The Controlled Substances Program will assess your project requirements and if needed, help you apply for a Controlled Substance Use Authorization. All Controlled Substance orders for animal-research purposes are routed through the Controlled Substance Program to comply with campus policy and order placement under existing campus DEA registrations.
Expand section When?
How long does it take to review my Animal Use Protocol before I get approval?
You must allow 6 - 8 weeks for the approval process after you submit your application. Your Animal Use Protocol application goes through a very thorough review process where it is reviewed by veterinary staff, Environmental Health and Safety, administrative professional staff, and the entire Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at a monthly meeting.
What happens to the protocol after it is submitted?
All protocols receive veterinary review, administrative review by the IACUC Office staff to assure that all animal care and use conforms to PHS, USDA, and UCSD requirements, and (as necessary) Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) review and Conflict of Interest (COI) review.
Depending on these reviews, the Principal Investigator may be asked for additional information or clarifications by telephone, email, or letter. These responses may then receive additional veterinary and administrative review.
When complete, the protocol is reviewed by the UCSD IACUC.
At the monthly meeting of the IACUC, the Primary Reviewer presents the protocol, and his/her recommendations, for discussion. The IACUC will vote to either:
Depending on these reviews, the Principal Investigator may be asked for additional information or clarifications by telephone, email, or letter. These responses may then receive additional veterinary and administrative review.
When complete, the protocol is reviewed by the UCSD IACUC.
At the monthly meeting of the IACUC, the Primary Reviewer presents the protocol, and his/her recommendations, for discussion. The IACUC will vote to either:
- Approve
- Require Modifications
- Defer
- Withhold Approval
Will I be notified of the expiration and renewal dates of my Animal Use Protocol?
It the responsibility of each Principal Investigator to track the expiration date of each protocol. You will receive a courtesy notice from the IACUC Office allowing you enough time to complete your renewal. If you do not respond by the deadline for renewal, your protocol will expire and you cannot purchase or use animals on this campus.
What are the meeting dates and submission deadlines for the IACUC?
The IACUC meets monthly on the third Wednesday of each month. The deadline for each meeting is the third Friday of the previous month. A yearly calendar is available on the IACUC web site, at http://iacuc.ucsd.edu/IACUCMeetingDates.html.
How long is a protocol approval good for?
Three years. You should write the animal use application to include all work and all animals requested for three years. You will be required to rewrite the protocol application every third year.
When should I report changes or modifications to my protocol?
Every change or modification to your protocol must be approved by the IACUC before you begin. From the IACUC website, choose log in. After you log in you will have a menu of options. Choose Amendment to Protocol.
When can I start my studies?
You may not begin work until you have received a written approval letter. If your approval letter states "full approval" you may begin work immediately. If your approval letter states "Modifications Required" you must answer the questions asked of you and wait to receive approval to begin your work.
Can I order animals before I have an approved Animal Use Protocol?
No.
Expand section What do all these terms and acronyms mean?
What is the UCSD Animal Care and Use Program?
Federal Regulations require that each institution have an Animal Care and Use Program to assure that all Animal Welfare laws, regulations and policies are implemented and consistently followed at the institution. At UCSD, the Animal Care and Use Program consists of three components which work together - the IACUC, the Institutional Official and the Animal Care Program.
What is the IACUC?
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee oversees the University's animal care and use programs, facilities and procedures and ensures the appropriate care, use and humane treatment of animals being used for research, testing and education. The IACUC is also responsible for reviewing all animal use protocols, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, inspecting animal facilities and laboratories and overseeing training and educational programs. The IACUC serves as a resource to faculty, investigators, technicians, students, and staff, providing guidance in planning and conducting all animal use procedures in accordance with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles. The faculty members of this Committee are appointed by the Institutional Official (Vice Chancellor for Research) from each school and functional unit of the University.
What is the IACUC Office?
The IACUC Office is the administrative, regulatory and compliance support team for the IACUC.
What is the Animal Care Program?
The Animal Care Program is the veterinary care, housing, and husbandry arm of the Animal Care and Use Program. You should contact the Animal Care and Use program to arrange for purchasing animals, housing animals or to report animal health concerns. You should contact the ACP with facility or caging concerns. You should contact the ACP for training or for consultation regarding anesthesia, analagesia, surgery, equipment rental, and billing issues.
What is the meaning of this term/ abbreviation/ acronym?
Please check our glossary.
Contact the IACUC office, (858) 534-6069.