What is the difference between initial review and continuing review in IACUC protocol oversight?

• A. Initial review is the first evaluation of a protocol before approving animal use; continuing review is ongoing oversight of approved protocols to ensure ongoing compliance.
• B. Initial review occurs after the study begins; continuing review is a one-time assessment.
• C. Initial review is by external community members; continuing review is by staff.
• D. Initial review and continuing review are identical processes.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that IACUC oversight happens in two stages: a pre-approval evaluation and ongoing monitoring. Before any animal work begins, the IACUC reviews the protocol to assess the scientific rationale, justify the number and species of animals, scrutinize the procedures, and ensure appropriate welfare protections such as pain relief, anesthesia, humane endpoints, training, and housing. This initial review determines whether the protocol can be approved to start.

After approval, the protocol undergoes continuing review at set intervals to confirm the work remains compliant and ethically justified. This ongoing oversight rechecks that the procedures still align with approved plans, that any changes in personnel or methods are properly approved, that welfare protections remain adequate, and that any new information or adverse events are addressed. Only with continued approval can the project proceed, so continuing review keeps animal welfare and regulatory compliance current throughout the study.