An approved Case IACUC protocol is necessary for all use of vertebrate animals in research; testing and teaching conducted at Case and its affiliated institutions, and includes field work with vertebrate animals. Protocols are approved for three years and need to be renewed every three years. Go to the .iRIS log on page and complete to submission process.
Protocols are not needed in the situations noted below. These guidelines were developed from the PHS policy and cannot cover all possible situations. Investigators are encouraged to contact the IACUC http://iacuc.cwru.edu/resources/iacucoffice.html for help in determining the correct course of action when in doubt. IACUC staff and attending veterinarians are available to assist in answering questions that investigators have at any stage in the process, but a consultation with an attending veterinarian may be especially useful prior to completing a protocol form.
The use of organs, parts and materials from vertebrate animals does not require an approved Case IACUC protocol if they were obtained from vendors, suppliers or outside investigators compliant with applicable regulations and if they are being provided as a standard product.
However, if materials from vertebrate animals are made or obtained specifically for investigators, certain conditions apply, as described below. For example, IACUC protocols are required in the circumstances described below.
- Animal byproducts from an investigator, vendor, or slaughterhouse if the animals were euthanized by another investigator, vendor or slaughterhouse specifically for the investigator: Harvested Tissue Use Form.pdf
- Chick embryos within 3 days of hatching. (Investigators using chicks prior to 3 days before hatching must complete a form for avian embryo use: http://casemed.case.edu/ora/iacuc/policies/avian_embryos.cfm
- Antibodies, serum, organs and other products of vertebrate animals that are made specifically for the investigator, as these are considered "custom". Investigators who need custom antibodies must submit a protocol and the PHS assurance for the Vendor. This policy follows the PHS policy. ("Standard" antibodies, serum, organs and other products of vertebrate animals obtained from licensed vendors do not require a protocol. An investigator obtaining antibodies, serum, organs and other products of vertebrate animals from another investigator does not need an approved Case IACUC protocol. The investigator providing the materials is required to have an approved Case IACUC protocol specifying the production of the custom materials.)
- Services producing transgenic, knockout, cryopreserved, in vitro fertilized or rederived animals are required to have an approved IACUC protocol for the procedures, the production of animals, and the distribution of animals and materials to others. Investigators obtaining animals from such services need an approved Case IACUC protocol for procedures as well as for use of the animals or materials after they are received.
- Custom surgery by commercial vendors requires a Case IACUC protocol for the surgery and subsequent use. The use of standard surgically altered animals purchased from commercial vendors requires an approved Case IACUC protocol for procedures and use after receipt of the animals.
Animal work performed by contract with services outside of Case and research performed in collaboration with investigators at other institutions are subject to PHS policy. This means that a Case IACUC protocol may not be required if the work is performed at the collaborating institution AND that institution has a PHS Assurance |
