Disclaimer:
OLAW develops and monitors, as well as exercises compliance oversight relative to the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the "PHS Policy"). One of OLAW's primary functions is to advise awarding units and awardee institutions concerning the implementation of the PHS Policy. OLAW often provides this advice by responding to policy-related questions submitted by such units and institutions. The following Commentaries provide guidance that represents OLAW's current thinking on these topics. This guidance is based on OLAW's experience with the subject matter and draws on best practices followed by the biomedical community regarding the use of research animals. Unless specific statutory or regulatory requirements are cited, the Commentaries should be viewed as recommendations in that an institution may use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the PHS Policy.

Commentary on Lab Animal Protocol Review Columns

• Lab Animal 2008; 37(7). (PDF - 95 KB) A Word from USDA, FDA and OLAW. Deciding which animals to use.
• Lab Animal 2008; 37(2). (PDF - 95 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA. Collaborative studies and animal reuse.
• Lab Animal 2007; 36(9). (PDF - 77 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA. Of alternate and designated IACUC members.
• Lab Animal 2007; 36(7). (PDF - 60 KB) A Word from OLAW. Getting around late protocol renewals
• Lab Animal 2007; 36(3). (PDF - 71 KB) A Word from OLAW. One animal, two protocols – an appropriate application of the 3Rs?
• Lab Animal 2007; 36(2). (PDF - 74 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA. New CEO, new IACUC?
• Lab Animal 2007; 36(1). (PDF - 73 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA. The importance of being ‘in charge’
• Lab Animal 2006; 35(10). (PDF - 87 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA. Tackling investigator noncompliance
• Lab Animal 2006; 35(6). (PDF - 71 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA. Clinical trial trouble
• Lab Animal 2006; 35(4). (PDF - 85 KB) A Word from OLAW and USDA.. Conference wet lab: is an IACUC needed?
• Lab Animal. 2006; 35(2). A Word from OLAW. Grants proposals and animal use protocols: Is the IACUC playing by the rules?
• Lab Animal. 2006; 35(1). A Word from OLAW. Should you count your mice before they're weaned?
• Lab Animal. 2005; 34(2): 18-20. A Word from OLAW. Commentary on Protocol Review Column regarding Electronic (Mis)Communication in IACUC Procedures.
• Lab Animal. 2005; 34(1): 11-12. A Word from OLAW. Commentary on Protocol Review Column regarding the use of Alternate IACUC Members.
• Lab Animal. 2003: 32(9):17-19. A Word from OLAW. Commentary on Protocol Review Column regarding the use of unapproved species of animals in a study.
• Lab Animal. 2002;31(5):19-21. A Word from OLAW. Commentary on Protocol Review Column regarding reporting unapproved use of animals.
• Lab Animal. 2001;30(8):21-23. OLAW and APHIS comment on Protocol Review Column concerning IACUC minutes and use of audiotapes of meetings.
• Lab Animal. 2001;30(6):18-20. OLAW and APHIS comment on Protocol Review Column "Is Ad Hoc Approval Enough?"
• Lab Animal. 2001:30(3):21. OLAW commentary on Protocol Review Column concerning transfer of research to a different institution, and the use of pilot studies to assess pain.
• Lab Animal. 2000;29(3):18-19 . A Word from OPRR. Commentary on Protocol Review column concerning extensions of IACUC approval beyond three years.
• Lab Animal. 1999:28(7):21. A Word from OPRR and USDA. Commentary on Protocol Review Column concerning consistency between IACUC protocols and grant applications.
• Lab Animal. 1998:27(9):17 . The View from USDA and OPRR. Commentary on Protocol Review Column concerning IACUC suspension authority.
• Lab Animal. 1998:27(8):18. OPRR and USDA Commentary on Protocol Review Column concerning IACUC protocol review process.
• Lab Animal. 1998;27(3):21. A Word from the Government (OPRR/USDA Response to Protocol Review Column concerning IACUC's authority).
• Lab Animal. 1997;26(3):21. OPRR and USDA/Animal Care Response on Applicability of the Animal Welfare Regulations and the PHS Policy to Dead Animals and Shared Tissues.
• Lab Animal. 1996;25(5):22. NIH/USDA Response to Protocol Review Column concerning IACUC quorum requirements.

Letters to the Editor

• Contemporary Topics. 2001;40(6):8. OLAW and APHIS Letter to Editor: Suggestions to Bring Electronic Protocol System into Compliance.
• Lab Animal. 2001:30(3):15. OLAW and APHIS: Letter to Editor Regarding Electronic Protocol Review

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