When is a protocol typically required to undergo Full Committee Review (FCR) rather than expedited review?

• A. When there is significant potential for pain/distress, use of non-allowed techniques, or major changes, or when mandated by institutional policy.
• B. For all minor administrative changes
• C. For budget changes only
• D. For protocols involving no animals

Answer: (A)

The level of review is driven by the potential impact on animal welfare and the scope of changes. Full Committee Review is required when a protocol could involve substantial welfare risks or when there are major changes to procedures, species, numbers, endpoints, or other elements that could affect animal pain or distress. It’s also used when institutional policy mandates that certain kinds of changes or risk levels must be reviewed by the full committee. This comprehensive deliberation helps ensure humane concerns, compliance with regulations, and consideration of alternatives.

Minor administrative changes, changes that only affect the budget, or protocols involving no animals typically do not increase welfare risk and can be handled through expedited review or may not require full committee input at all, which is why they aren’t the trigger for FCR.