How often do the approved animal protocols need to be approved by the IACUC?

The requirement for how often approved animal protocols must be reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) can vary depending on various factors, including institutional policies and the nature of the study. However, standard practice within many institutions is that IACUC protocols need to be reviewed and renewed at least every three years.

This three-year review period allows for the necessary evaluation of approved protocols to ensure they remain compliant with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. During this time, the IACUC can assess any changes in research methodology, updates in regulations, or advancements in animal care standards that may impact the approved protocol. Additionally, such periodic reviews help maintain the welfare of the animals involved in research and affirm that researchers are adhering to current best practices.

The other timeframes, such as annually, semi-annually, or every two years, are not the standard for IACUC protocol renewals in many contexts, making the three-year interval the most recognized requirement for ongoing approval.