What is the primary oversight responsibility of an IACUC?

• A. Monitoring and enforcing animal welfare across all university animal use
• B. Handling clinical care for all animals
• C. Purchasing lab supplies
• D. Scheduling staff shifts

Answer: (D)

The main concept tested is the IACUC’s role in safeguarding animal welfare and ensuring compliance with regulations for all animal use in the institution. The IACUC reviews and approves any research, teaching, or training activities involving animals, monitors welfare through regular facility inspections and review of records, and makes sure personnel are properly trained and veterinary oversight is in place. This oversight helps ensure humane care, appropriate anesthesia and analgesia, humane endpoints, and adherence to approved protocols.

Direct clinical care for animals is provided by veterinary staff and the investigators under the protocol, not by the IACUC itself. Purchasing laboratory supplies and scheduling staff shifts are administrative tasks managed by other departments or units, not the primary focus of IACUC oversight.