Under what conditions should an IACUC-approved protocol be reevaluated or modified?

• A. Under any conditions, reevaluation not required
• B. Modifications to the protocol, changes in personnel or housing, new welfare information or new methods/endpoints; or updated policies
• C. Never; after approval it's final
• D. Only if funding is reduced

Answer: (B)

This item tests when an IACUC-approved protocol must be reevaluated. Protocols aren’t set in stone; any time the approved plan or how animals are cared for changes, a reevaluation is needed. Specifically, if you modify the protocol itself, if there are changes in who is involved or in housing and husbandry for the animals, if new welfare information becomes available (for example, updated analgesia guidance or new humane endpoints), or if there are new methods or endpoints being used or updated policies that affect the study, the protocol must go back through IACUC review and approval before you proceed. This keeps the project aligned with current welfare standards and regulatory requirements. Other scenarios like funding changes or the idea that once approved it is final do not mandate reevaluation.