IACUC Compliance Guide for Colony Management
A practical checklist for maintaining IACUC compliance in your rodent colony. Covers protocol documentation, census reporting, personnel training, and semi-annual review preparation.
What's in the guide
The full guide includes detailed explanations, common pitfalls, and links to regulatory resources. Here is a preview of the checklist sections.
Protocol Documentation
- Protocol number, title, and PI clearly listed
- Species and strain documented with scientific nomenclature
- Approved animal numbers match current census
- Pain/distress category correctly classified (B, C, D, or E)
- Procedures described with sufficient detail for replication
- Justification for animal numbers (power analysis or rationale)
Semi-Annual Review Preparation
- Current animal census by protocol and species
- Amendments filed and approved since last review
- Adverse events reported and documented
- Protocol expiry dates reviewed — renewals submitted 60 days prior
- Personnel changes reported (additions and departures)
Census Reporting
- Total animals by species, strain, and sex
- Animals assigned to each active protocol
- Breeding colony census separate from experimental animals
- Surplus animals tracked and euthanasia records maintained
- Census date recorded — data reflects a single point in time
Veterinary Care & Monitoring
- Post-procedure monitoring schedules defined
- Humane endpoints established and documented
- Veterinary contact information posted in vivarium
- Health check records maintained for sentinel animals
- Unexpected morbidity/mortality reported within 24 hours
Personnel Training
- All personnel listed on protocol with current training
- Species-specific training completed before animal contact
- Occupational health enrollment verified
- Training records maintained with expiration dates
- New personnel undergo hands-on competency assessment
Download the full guide
Get the complete IACUC compliance guide with detailed explanations, downloadable checklists, and links to regulatory resources.
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