IACUC Laboratory/Study Area Inspection Program
IACUC laboratory inspection policy
Purpose
The purpose of the IACUC Laboratory/Study Area Inspection Program is to ensure that research in the laboratories is conducted according to PHS, USDA, and UC Davis policies, and is consistent with the Principal Investigator’s (PI) Animal Care and Use Protocol.
Policy
All laboratory/study areas where live, vertebrate animals are used for research or teaching must be visited on a routine basis. The type of research being conducted and species used will determine the frequency of the inspections.
If a laboratory holds individual animals of a USDA covered species longer than 12 hours, it will be visited semi-annually by two voting members of the IACUC.
If a laboratory is used to conduct surgery or holds non-USDA covered animals for longer than 24 hours, it will be visited semiannually by a member of the IACUC-Staff and/or a member of the IACUC.
If the laboratory does not fall under one of the above categories, a member of IACUC-staff and/or a member of the IACUC will perform a periodic inspection.
Procedures
The PI or designated laboratory contact will be notified by the IACUC office of any upcoming inspections. The IACUC Office will attempt to coordinate with the designated contact person to schedule a date/time for the inspection. If no response is received the inspection may be conducted unannounced. The inspection will be conducted using the Laboratory Inspection Checklist (attachment 1) and, periodically, the Post Approval Monitoring Form (attachment 2) for Post Approval Monitoring audits.
Minor and significant deficiencies will be noted, correction plans discussed, and a corrective timeframe determined. Deficiencies must be corrected within the determined timeframe. If the deficiency is not corrected within the allotted timeframe the PI’s protocols may be suspended by the IACUC. Multiple and or repeated deficiencies may lead to the suspension of the PI’s protocols. AAALAC, OLAW, and USDA (covered species) will be notified of all suspensions.
The IACUC will be notified of all significant deficiencies and take the necessary actions. The Institutional Official will be notified of all significant deficiencies.
After the inspection, the laboratory will receive a copy of the final written report. If there are questions or concerns about the report, the laboratory will be informed that they can contact the IACUC Office.
Procedure: IACUC-41
Date: 06/11/2009
Enabled By: PHS/USDA
Supersedes: 07/12/2007