IACUC Protocol Submission

Submission Guidelines 

All research, teaching, and testing activities involving live vertebrate animals at the university must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to the initiation of any animal work. This ensures compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and the highest ethical standards for animal welfare.

When to Submit

 An IACUC protocol must be submitted and approved:

  • Before beginning any new project involving animal use.
  • When making significant changes to an existing approved protocol.
  • For renewal of protocols approaching expiration (typically annual continuing reviews and full resubmission every 3 years).

How to Submit

1. Access the Protocol Submission Site:

All protocols must be submitted using the following link: IACUC Protocol Submission

2. Complete the Online IACUC Protocol Submission Form 

The form requires detailed information about:

  • Personnel training and qualifications
  • Funding source(s) and grant congruency (if applicable)

 3. Attach Required Documents:

Include support materials such as:

  • Proposal abstract
  • Detailed planned protocol (must include the following key points)
    • Scientific objectives and rationale for animal use 
    • Species and number of animals requested 
    • Description of all procedures involving animals 
    • Anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia methods  
    •  Justification for animal numbers and species selection 
    • Alternatives to painful/distressful procedures 
    • Housing and care arrangements
    • Curriculum Vita (CV) for PI/PD
  • Scientific justifications (e.g., grant abstracts)
  • SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
  • Training certifications for all personnel 
  • Hazardous agent use forms (if applicable)
     

4. Submit for IACUC Review using the folowwing link: IACUC Protocol Submission

Submit protocols for review using the online submission link. Protocols are reviewed on a rolling basis.  

Review Process

  • Administrative Pre-Review: The IACUC office will screen submissions for completeness and compliance.
  • Committee Review: Protocols are reviewed by the full committee or designated members, depending on the nature of the work.
  • PI Response to Comments: Investigators may be asked to provide clarifications or revisions.
  • Final Approval: Once all concerns are addressed, the protocol will receive formal IACUC approval.

Protocol Amendments

Any changes to an approved protocol (e.g., procedures, personnel, animal numbers, species) must be submitted via a protocol amendment and approved by the IACUC before implementation.

Continuing Review and Renewals

  • Annual reviews are required to maintain protocol approval.
  • Protocols must be fully resubmitted and re-approved every three years (triennial renewal).

Training Requirements

All personnel listed on the protocol must complete:

  • Animal Care and Use training modules (via CITI Training )
  • Species- and procedure-specific training as applicable
  • Biosafety Training (in-person and online (via CITI Training )
  • Refresher training as required by the IACUC

Instructions for registering on the CITI Training site: CITI Training Registration Steps   

  Questions or Help

For assistance with protocol preparation or submission, please contact the IACUC Office at biacuc@tnstate.edu.