Which entity is responsible for approving animal care and use protocols under IACUC governance?

• A. Investigators who submit the protocol.
• B. Institutional Official.
• C. IACUC.
• D. External funding agency.

Answer: (C)

The entity that approves animal care and use protocols is the IACUC—the committee specifically chartered to review proposed animal use to ensure humane treatment and compliance with laws and policies. They assess all aspects of the protocol, including procedures, analgesia and anesthesia, endpoints, housing and husbandry, and whether alternatives to animal use exist. If concerns are found, they can require modifications or even withhold approval until issues are resolved. The Institutional Official provides overarching compliance oversight but does not grant approval themselves; investigators submit the protocol and carry out the work after IACUC approval. External funding agencies may require protocol approval as a condition of funding, but they do not grant the approval itself.