Which committee is responsible for approving the use of animals in research within an institution?

• A. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• B. Institutional Review Board
• C. Animal Ethics Panel
• D. Research Compliance Committee

Answer: (A)

Approval of animal use in research within an institution is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. This committee reviews proposed protocols to ensure humane treatment, scientific justification, and compliance with laws and guidelines such as the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy. It assesses factors like the species and number of animals, procedures, pain management, anesthesia, humane endpoints, and housing and husbandry, and it ensures personnel are properly trained and that veterinary care is planned. Ongoing oversight is provided through inspections and regular protocol reviews, with emphasis on reducing animal use and suffering through the 3 Rs—reduction, refinement, and replacement. An Institutional Review Board handles research with human subjects, while other panels with similar-sounding names do not serve as the standard governing body for animal research.