IACUC Policy Highlight

In response to the increased availability of core research services, IACUC and LAMS recognize the need for an efficient mechanisms of transferring animals between research protocols. Below are details from IACUC Policy #029 - Transfer of Animal Between UC Approved IACUC Protocols:

• Multiple major survival surgeries may not be performed on the animal being transferred unless it has been explicitly described and justified in the original protocol.
• Pain category may not be increased from a less painful/distressful to a more painful/distressful category (e.g. form category C to D).
• The original bar coded cage card must be kept on the animal cage.
• The cage must be labeled by the Principal Investigator with a secondary card as described in the policy.
• The originating Principal Investigatory must maintain records as described in the policy.
• Animal numbers are not counted against the recipient's protocol.

In addition to the requirements noted above and in the policy, it's worth mentioning that when a transfer is performed as described in the policy, the Principal Investigator of the recipient protocol assumes responsibility for any violations that occur while the animal/s are in his/her possession. This includes ensuring that the protocol is followed and the personnel performing procedures on the recipient's protocol are approved to perform the work on that protocol.

Laboratories using this policy need to pay close attention to which animals are being used under what protocol. Mistakes made while using the temporary transfer policy can lead to significant reportable deficiencies. Those deficiencies can have a detrimental effect with regards to funding.