Conversion of the IACUC office to the Integrated Research Administration Portal (IRAP) has been accompanied by faster protocol submission processing and review. In order to take advantage of this quicker turnaround, it is important for Investigators to understand the basic review processes. Based on regulatory requirements, review of proposed animal work can be conducted at a convened meeting of a quorum of IACUC members (Full Committee Review (FCR)), by one or more designated reviewers (Designated Member Review (DMR)), or by IACUC Office staff or members acting in an administrative capacity (Administrative Review). The review option is based on the type of submission and the nature of the work proposed.

IACUC or review team members may request FCR anytime during the review process when they find the proposed work raises concerns about humane animal use, personnel safety, or regulatory/policy compliance. Studies involving the following are likely to prompt a request for FCR:

• unrelieved pain or distress,
• exemptions to UAB or federal requirements,
• internally sponsored projects,
• large numbers of animals,
• species other than rodents, invertebrates, fish, and most amphibians and reptiles,
• models or techniques new to UAB, or
• biosafety level 3 research

The convened meetings occur once monthly so if your submission is likely to be assigned to FCR, you should send it to the IACUC office at least 20 calendar days prior to the IACUC meeting and make sure you respond to any questions that are raised during the pre-review at least two work days before the meeting. For example, if the meeting is January 28 you should submit your protocol by January 8 and responses to any questions should be submitted by January 26 in order for your protocol to be discussed at the January meeting. The meeting dates and corresponding deadlines can be found below.

DMR and Administrative reviews will be conducted as submissions are received and will not be tied to a monthly review cycle or submission deadline. The Designated Member or Administrative reviewers issue approvals when all questions have been answered satisfactorily. It is important to note, however, that even a protocol assigned for DMR or Administrative Review can be requested at any time for FCR.