Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee, Yale University

Yale University
Institutional Animal Care
& Use Committee
New Haven CT
USA 06510

Return to list of Policies

Policy & Guidelines for Research Projects that Include Death as an Endpoint

Background:

Since it provides an objective and unequivocal data point, death has been used as an endpoint in cancer, infectious disease and other animal studies. Increased public interest and regulation have led to a re-evaluation of the appropriateness of using death as an endpoint.

Policy:

The routine use of death as an endpoint is discouraged. Endpoints other than death must always be considered and should be used whenever the research objective makes it possible.

Guidelines:

Investigators who wish to include death as an endpoint as part of their study must consult with the attending veterinarian prior to protocol submission.

The following documentation must be provided for research proposals that include death as an endpoint:

1.	Written justification including discussion of alternative endpoints considered and why those endpoints were not acceptable.
2.	Special Instruction Cage Cards indicating death as an endpoint must be placed on every cage at the onset of experiments. A Special Instruction sheet must also be completed and maintained in the animal room.
3.	A start up meeting with Veterinary Clinical Services must take place prior to conducting experiments.

Recources:

USDA Regulations (9 CFR, 2, C)

IACUC Guidebook