IACUC and Animal Welfare Resources: Step 7: Documenting the Results

Under section 2.31 of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the principal investigator is required to document in the protocol the methods used to search the literature for alternatives to procedures involving animals have been explored and considered but not applicable in the experimental design. 

The USDA's Policy 12 "Consideration of the Alternatives to Painful/Distressful Procedures", provides instructions for constructing the narrative portion of the protocol, including the following: 

• The names of the databases searched
• The date the search was performed 
• The period covered by the search 
• The keywords and/or search strategy used 

Source: USDA Policy #11 and #12 

When constructing the narrative, think about addressing the 3R's principle. 

• Replacement
  • Is there a way to partially or completely replace the use of animals with alternative technology (EX. computer simulation). If not, explain why. 
  • Were alternatives located but not applicable/acceptable? If so, explain why. 
• Reduction
  • Is there a way to reduce the number of animals that you can use while still maintaining the integrity of the experimental design and findings? If not, explain why. 
• Refinement 
  • Have less invasive procedures been identified or considered in the experimental design and procedural techniques to minimize pain and distress in the animal? If not explain why and if so, explain what these methods are. 

Source: Adapted from Cornell University Library IACUC Searching for Alternatives guide 

If alternatives have been considered but not applicable or is only partially applicable, researchers must detail the procedures of the experimental design and procedures.