Bloomington Researchers

Quick guide: Animal care and use at IU Bloomington

All animal studies on the IU Bloomington campus must go through a review process before work can begin.

Animal studies include any research, testing, or teaching activities that involve a live vertebrate animal. The work could be done in a lab, in the field, or somewhere else on your behalf.

Words to know

• Protocol: the protocol outlines the method, design, and implementation of your research project
• Protocol amendment: a document that must be reviewed and approved before making a change—major or minor—to your research protocol
• Protocol noncompliance: when research projects do not follow the principal investigator’s approved protocol, including animal treatment, procedures, timelines, or personnel

The Bloomington Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee reviews each protocol to ensure the humane use of animals, including—but not limited to—proper handling, living conditions, and veterinary care.

The principal investigator is responsible for providing:

• A detailed description of the use of animals
• Justification for using animals in the study
• Veterinary care information
• Procedures for ensuring humane treatment
• Method of euthanasia

Step 1: Prepare your protocol

• Plan ahead. It is strongly recommended that all new and renewing protocols be submitted at least two months prior to the start of activities.
• Contact the Lab Animal Resources office to confirm that the species proposed for your work is supported and that space is available to house the animals.
• Read about the review process and understand what is involved.
• Know the policies and regulations that affect animal studies at IU Bloomington.

• Submit your study for review at least two months in advance.
• Make sure all lab personnel have completed all required training.
• Be aware of the hazards associated with your project and complete safety training in the areas of animal safety, biological safety, and radiation safety.
• Consult with veterinary staff if your proposed study includes any medical procedures that require anesthesia, or if it will include any experimentally induced conditions with the potential to cause pain or distress to the animal.

• You must submit a protocol amendment for any changes to an approved study, including changes in procedure or personnel. All amendments must be reviewed and approved prior to initiating the change.
• Be prepared for an inspection of your research facility every six months. This includes any rooms, lab areas, enclosures, and vehicles where animals are kept or transported as part of your study.
• Submit annual reviews of your work to the BIACUC.
• Renew your protocol every three years by submitting a new protocol. The new protocol must be on file and approved before the existing protocol expires.

The Bloomington Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (BIACUC) oversees animal care and use on the IU Bloomington campus.

• Phone: 812-855-5138
• Email: biacuc@indiana.edu