What outcome may result from IACUC review after adverse events or unanticipated outcomes?

• A. Immediate termination of the study.
• B. No changes are necessary.
• C. Protocol amendments or training updates.
• D. Filing of criminal charges.

Answer: (C)

When adverse events or unanticipated outcomes occur, the focus of the IACUC review is to ensure animal welfare and verify that the study can continue safely with appropriate safeguards. The most likely and appropriate outcome is to implement protocol amendments or training updates. This means revising procedures, endpoints, analgesia or anesthesia plans, monitoring requirements, or husbandry practices, and providing targeted staff training to prevent recurrence. These corrective actions address the specific issues that led to the adverse event and help ensure humane care moving forward. Other options aren’t standard responses: terminating the study immediately is reserved for situations where risks cannot be mitigated; doing nothing would fail to protect animals and meet compliance; criminal charges fall outside the IACUC process.