IRB Review Levels | Office of Research Compliance | SIU

The "Exempt" review level doesn't mean that your protocol is exempt from IRB review! A study is reviewed as exempt if it involves human subjects, the risk level is extremely low, and the time commitment for participants is relatively short in duration. 

Studies are reviewed as expedited if they involve human subjects and pose no more than minimal risk. This includes the collection of biospecimens and other data by non-invasive means as well as most research involving interviews and focus groups. 

A study is reviewed by a convened IRB if it involves human subjects but does not fall into either the exempt or expedited categories. If a study involves more than minimal risk, it will be reviewed by the full board.

The IRB at SIU meets once a month, so protocols reviewed by the full board may take more time than exempt or expedited ones.