How often do the approved animal protocols need to be approved by the IACUC?

The correct answer indicates that the approved animal protocols need to be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) every three years. This timeframe aligns with the standards and guidelines set forth by the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Animal Welfare Act.

The IACUC is responsible for ensuring that all protocols involving animal research adhere to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices for the care and use of animals in research. The triennial review ensures that the protocols are still relevant, ethical, and scientifically justified, while also allowing for any necessary updates based on emerging scientific knowledge or changes in institutional policies.

In contrast, a shorter review period, such as annually or semi-annually, would be more frequent than what is typically mandated, which can create an unnecessary administrative burden without providing additional benefit in many cases. Reviews every two years can also be seen as more frequent than required for compliance, as the standard practice is set at every three years. Therefore, the three-year requirement strikes a balance between oversight and practicality in animal research.