What is the role of audits and inspections in animal research facilities?

• A. Audits and inspections verify compliance with protocols, welfare standards, and training
• B. Evaluate only financial performance
• C. Determine species to abandon
• D. Replace need for veterinary care

Answer: (A)

Audits and inspections in animal research facilities exist to ensure that animal care and use stay within approved protocols, meet welfare standards, and reflect proper training of personnel. They examine housing and husbandry conditions, enrichment, veterinary care, and surgical or procedural practices to verify alignment with IACUC-approved protocols and standard operating procedures. By reviewing records, training completion, and adherence to pain management and humane endpoints, these checks help identify gaps, enforce corrective actions, and drive improvements in both animal welfare and the reliability of study data. Regulators and accrediting bodies rely on these evaluations to confirm ongoing compliance and to motivate ongoing staff education and facility updates.

The other options don’t fit because audits and inspections are not primarily about financial performance, they don’t decide which species to abandon, and they do not replace veterinary care; instead, they assess and reinforce appropriate veterinary oversight and care.