IACUC Forms and Training

IACUC Forms

Statement of Assurance Additional Personnel Request (.pdf)Additional Personnel Request (.docx)Protocol Closeout Form Medical History Forms CITI Training Instructions

Animal Use Protocol Application

When filling out the animal use protocol application, PIs are encouraged to review the most common revision requests listed below. This information was compiled from real protocols, and the items are listed in order of frequency. PIs can use these tips to help minimize delays during the review process.

1. Complete and consistent drugs and compounds table (Part H1)

All drugs, compounds, and medications that will be administered to an animal should be reflected in the ‘Drugs and Compounds’ table on the protocol application. The table asks for the dose, route and site administered, frequency and duration of administration, needle gauge, and purpose of the drug. Revisions are commonly requested due to a drug missing from the table that is mentioned elsewhere in the protocol, or the information provided about a specific drug is incorrect.

2. Complete CITI Training and the Medical History Forms (MHF)

All personnel listed in the protocol must complete the required CITI Training modules and submit the Medical History Forms (MHF) to the Laboratory Animal Program office before they can be approved to participate in a protocol. PIs should try to ensure that all personnel, including themselves, have met all the requirements before application submission. This will help reduce IACUC processing time.

For information on how to complete the CITI Training, please visit the IACUC Training page.

To learn more about the Medical History Forms, please review the Occupational Health and Safety Program page.

3. Clarify the method(s) of euthanasia

4. Send all relevant documents to the IACUC

5. Keep animal numbers consistent

6. Describe the sterilization and disinfection methods

7. Confirm pharmaceutical or nonpharmaceutical grade drugs

The Guide requires that all nonpharmaceutical drugs be described, justified, and IACUC approved. In some cases, it may be necessary to use nonpharmaceutical drugs, but the justification will need to be listed on the application for IACUC review. It is also important to note that once a pharmaceutical grade drug is diluted, it is no longer considered pharmaceutical grade. 

8. Clear and comprehensive methodology

The methodology section (Part F) should describe all activities of the study in a clear and concise manner that walks reviewers through the protocol from the beginning of the animal’s acquisition until the endpoint of the study. It is critical to remember that IACUC members come from a variety of backgrounds, including scientists, non-scientists, and ethicists. Details within the methodology section must address the three (or four) Rs: Reduce, Replace, Refine (Reuse).

Furthermore, the methodology section should be consistent with other sections of the application. For example, if a drug or compound is mentioned in the methodology, it should also be listed in Part H, experimental groups should total the same number as listed as Part B, etc.

Finally, while depth is required in this section, be mindful that the over-use of jargon, acronyms, and even standard techniques may distract reviewers.

9. Describe restraint time and the justification

IACUC Required Training

All research personnel are required by IACUC to complete certain CITI Training modules and quizzes before participating in a protocol.

Start by visiting the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative website. New users will register to create an account. Both new and existing users will choose Southern Illinois University courses and complete the following modules:

Working with the IACUC
Reducing Pain & Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats
SIUC Animal Care

By completing these required courses, researchers will learn valuable information that is applicable to all protocols, no matter the animal. Other courses may be required depending on the activities involved in the protocol. If an individual plans to conduct surgery, they will also need to complete the Aseptic Surgery course. Additional taxon specific modules are available, so consult with your PI to see if any are applicable to you.

After completion of these courses and their respective quizzes, personnel are required to take a refresher course every three years:

Working with Animals in Biomedical Research - Refresher Course

If you need help registering or finding the courses, please take a look at our CITI Instructions. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to email iacuc@siu.edu for further assistance.

IACUC Forms and Training | Office of Research Compliance | SIU

Office of Research Compliance

Main Navigation

Contact Us