Types of Reviews

New AUP applications are approved for a maximum period of up to 4 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension if justified and approved by the IACUC.

The nature of review depends on the submission type and these categories of review with the estimated timelines for review are summarised below. 

If you need info on AUP Extensions vs Renewals, please click here. 

 

Full Committee Review
(FCR) 		Designated Member Review
(DMR) 		Administrative Review
Reviewed at monthly IACUC meetings with quorum.

Reviewed on an ad-hoc basis by IACUC’s Attending Vet and one designated member.
If the application is not approved, it will be sent for FCR review.

Reviewed on an ad-hoc basis by IACUC Secretariat.
All New applications should be reviewed by FCR, if it does not qualify for review by DMR.

New applications that can be reviewed by DMR must satisfy the following:

  • AUPs involving the use of less than 50 rodents or fish annually with procedures not expected to result in pain or distress.
  • AUPs involving only non-survival surgery in fish and rodents.
  • AUPs involving only euthanasia for tissue harvest.
  • AUPs to be transferred to NTU that have been previously approved by an external IACUC.
  • AUPs where work will be done at an external animal research facility.
  • Renewal applications with no change in procedures and numbers of animals used.
N/A.

Amendments that are major will be reviewed by FCR. E.g.:

  • Increase in animal numbers: >20%
  • Change in species

Amendments that are minor will be reviewed by DMR. E.g.:

  • Change in PI, co-I, or addition of research personnel.
  • AUP extension requests beyond 4 years (up to maximum 5 years)
  • Change in animal numbers: <20%.

Minor amendments that will be reviewed administratively include:

  • Study administrators / emergency contacts change, removal of research personnel, change in funding details.
  • AUP extension with no other changes to the AUP:
  • If protocol has been approved for less than 4 years, an extension of up to an overall duration of 4 years is granted.
  • If protocol extension is accompanied by an existing grant’s extension, proof of grant extension period is also to be provided with the extension application.
    Note: New AUP required if the total duration of the protocol exceeds 5 years (see Renewal application).
Typically takes 2 months to approve. Typically takes 2-4 weeks to approve. 5 working days.