Protocol Completion - Tips for Success
Contact the IACUC office at IACUC@cuanschutz.edu with any questions.
- A pre-review of new protocols is highly recommended for all submissions and is required for all protocols that include USDA-covered species.
- When responding to reviewer comments, do not make changes in the Rebuttal section.
- Revisions and edits can be made by anyone listed on the protocol (provided their PQ form has been sent to the IACUC office) but only the PI can submit or resubmit the protocol to the IACUC office.
- Submit new PQ forms for the PI and all named personnel on the protocol submission to the IACUC office - IACUC@cuanschutz.edu.
- Use keywords within the PQ to describe the responsibilities held under the protocol (procedures to be conducted). Each protocol associate should have a current PQ form on file with the IACUC Office.
- Ensure that the PQ forms detail that the associates are qualified to conduct the experiments assigned to them. If not, detail a training mechanism for these associates.
- Options Section:
- The selections made in the Options section will open up subsequent sections in the protocol.
- Select a species at the bottom of this section and indicate the procedures to be performed on each to open up sub-sections of the protocol for that species.
- To add or delete an entire section, go to the Options section and look for the related question.
- Protocol Overview:
- The goals section should not exceed 200 words. Since the goals could be subject to open record requests, the IACUC generally doesn't recommend using specific species. Instead of "mouse model", use "an animal model". This page should be written at a level that an 8th grade science student can understand.
- Funding:
- Demonstrate the scientific merit of your proposal, if requested. This can be done by providing evidence that the project is supported by a grant from an organization that utilizes a peer-review mechanism to evaluate proposals (e.g. NIH). Alternatively, provide a letter from your Chair certifying the scientific merit of the project (use the required IACUC form letter for this purpose – the template is in the question mark icon next to the heading in the Department Funding section).
- Species-Specific Sections:
- If survival surgery is included, please consult a staff veterinarian before you submit the protocol. The IACUC Office can arrange for a veterinarian to consult with you.
- List all experimental agents (used in live animals) and make sure the use of each agent is described in the Description of Procedures section.
- If using IBC-covered agents in live animals, ensure your IBC protocol includes them and indicates they will be used in animals. For more information on the use of biohazards in animals, contact IBC@cuanschutz.edu.
- Pay particular attention to the justification of the number of animals required. A statistical method (power analysis) is usually required to justify animal number requests.
- Assign all USDA-covered animals a single stress category.
- The Description of Procedures section must include all procedures to be performed on live animals in enough detail to satisfy the reviewers.
- Describe in detail what you are proposing to do and how many animals are going to be used. Include a detailed description of drug use (why a particular drug is used, name and property of drug, route of administration, dosage, frequency of use). Make sure all drugs used are of pharmaceutical grade.
- The Description of Procedures section should be written in language similar to that used in journals such as Scientific American.
- Do not repeat statements that apply to several sections of the Description of Procedures.
- Define all abbreviations and do not use symbols, e.g. use "beta-" instead of "β".
- Avoid jargon.
- Databases Searched:
- Make sure the dates of required database searches for alternatives to painful distressful procedures are current.
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