New Users
General Information
Based upon Federal Regulations all research and teaching using live vertebrate animals, regardless of sponsor, requires approval by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to implementation.
Approval by the IACUC does not, in and of itself, constitute approval for implementation of the project. Other levels of review and approval may be required (e.g., Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS), Radiation Safety), and the project should not begin until all required approvals have been obtained.
Animal work to be conducted at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System must have the appropriate VA approval before animals can be ordered or used. You may contact Mary Sobczak at 932-5711 x3968 for more detailed information regarding the VA approval requirements.
The use of hazardous agents in animals may only be initiated after approval from the Yale Animal Resource Center (YARC) and OEHS.
Who Can I Contact for Help?
Contact the IACUC Office for assistance with any questions concerning completion of the forms, what forms are needed and when, and deadline information.
A veterinarian from Veterinary Clinical Services (VCS) should be consulted in the planning of procedures involving more than minimal pain and or distress. VCS can be reached at 785-2501.
Submission Information
The original protocol plus 4 copies must be submitted to the IACUC Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date in order to ensure their review at the next IACUC meeting.
Any protocol received later than the deadline day will be held until the next month's meeting.
Three-year updates and annual continuations received later than the required submission deadline could be in jeopardy of expiring. No animals may be used or ordered under protocols, which have expired and charges may no longer be made against the protocol. Please note it is against federal regulations to use or breed animals without an active, approved protocol.
Time Sensitive Issues
Investigators should consider that additional time might be necessary after IACUC review to clarify specific issues before the protocol is approved. These possible delays should be kept in mind when estimating approval dates necessary for funding proposals.
Last Updated: October 16, 2009 (kp).
