Obtaining IACUC Approval

Quick Links to IACUC Forms

Protocol Application for Use of Vertebrate Animals
Annual Review of Animal Use Protocol [ MS Word ] [ PDF ]
Amendment to Animal Use Protocol [ MS Word ] [ PDF ]

Review of Animal Research

Faculty, staff and students wishing to use animal subjects must first obtain approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The first step in the process is to submit a Protocol Application for Use of Vertebrate Animals to the IACUC through the Office of Research Administration:

•  E-mail to iacuc@uta.edu        •  Drop off at 202 E. Border St., Suite 214   
•  Mail to Box 19188                     •  Fax to 817-272-1111
The second step is to complete the online animal care training and complete immunization requirements:  http://www.uta.edu/ra/oric/animal/training.htm. 
Once Research Administration receives the protocol, it will be scheduled for review at the next full board IACUC meeting. When reviewing an animal protocol, the IACUC considers the rationale and purpose of the proposed use of animals; justification of the species and number of animals requested; availability of less-invasive procedures and other species; safety of the working environment for personnel involved in the activity; adequacy of training and experience of personnel in the procedures to be used with the animals; appropriate sedation, analgesia, anesthesia, euthanasia, and surgical procedures; and, the unnecessary duplication of experiments.

The Principal Investigator or a representative of the research should attend the meeting to address any concerns or questions of the IACUC. If the PI or representative fails to attend, this can result in the protocol being tabled until the next scheduled IACUC meeting. Once the review is complete the researcher will be notified in writing by the committee Chair of the IACUC’s decision.

Annual Review of Approved Animal Research

In accordance with the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations and UTA IACUC Policy, the IACUC will review approved animal protocols on an annual basis.  An annual review must be completed by the anniversary of the original approval date of a protocol.  To allow ample time for processing and IACUC review, the IACUC requests that Annual Reports be submitted at least 7 days in advance of the anniversary (annual review) date of the protocol.  For example, if the original approval date of a protocol is February 1, 2008, the annual review date is February 1, 2009; however, the Annual Report should be submitted at least 7 days in advance by January 26, 2009.  Research Administration will continue to send reminders via e-mail, including the requested date of submission.  Failure to submit an annual report in a timely manner will result in expiration of the protocol.  If expiration of approval occurs, all activities involving the use of animals must cease immediately.  The research will not be allowed to commence until a new protocol has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by the IACUC.  If a protocol has expired and the use of animals continues, this is considered to be a violation of federal regulations that govern the use of animals in research.

Annual Review of Animal Use Protocol [ MS Word ] [ PDF ]

Review of Amendments/Changes to Approved Animal Research
The IACUC must review any modifications to approved animal research.  The Principal Investigator is responsible for notifying the IACUC of any proposed major changes in approved animal studies, before initiation.  For example, the PI shall submit an Amendment Form for IACUC review before implementation of any of the following:

Amendment to Animal Use Protocol [ MS Word ] [ PDF ]

Available Forms