Fall 2024 Semi-Annual IACUC Facility Inspection Dates, Revised Schedule Announced

Semi-annual facility inspections conducted by U-M’s Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) are one of the most important tools we have for ensuring that the highest animal welfare standards are being maintained at all times, and in all circumstances.

In an effort to reduce Study Team burden while continuing to fulfill the IACUC’s regulatory compliance responsibilities, the Animal Care & Use Program is piloting a one-week condensed schedule for upcoming Fall 2024 facility inspections.

This round of inspections will begin on Monday, September 23, and conclude on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Inspections include any animal rooms, surgical suite support spaces, and areas where procedures are conducted with animals.

What is Changing?

• The revised schedule format will more closely align IACUC processes to those used by external oversight bodies (e.g., AAALAC and the United States Department of Agriculture) to assess and inspect U-M facilities.
• Inspections will now take place over a four-day period instead of several weeks spanning multiple months.
• Facilities will be inspected throughout the entire day instead of concluding around 12:00 PM (noon).
• Automated eRAM inspection notifications and reminders – previously sent at two-week and four-day intervals leading up to a laboratory’s assigned inspection date/time – have been discontinued.

What is NOT Changing?

• Laboratories are still expected to participate in the inspection process. All laboratories should designate at least one individual to serve as a spokesperson. This individual should have detailed knowledge of the animal use procedures outlined in the laboratory’s IACUC approved protocol AND be able to provide access to locked cabinets, drawers, or storage areas that contain drugs and other medical materials.
• Laboratory visits are generally scheduled in four-hour increments to account for a variety of factors. As such, the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO) will be unable to make scheduling adjustments. Although every effort will be made to adhere to the distributed schedule, unforeseen circumstances may result in schedule deviation(s). It is strongly recommended that laboratories identify AT LEAST TWO other individuals to serve as secondary contacts to fill-in in case of emergency or last-minute personnel changes.
• If no Designated Spokesperson has been identified in eRAM, then it is assumed that the PI will serve in this capacity.
• Inspections will continue to occur on a semi-annual basis, typically in the fall and winter.
• For inspections with a ULAM focus:
  • Each inspection will begin in SPF animal housing areas, though this may be altered if there are contaminations
  • Only ULAM Husbandry Supervisors need to be present

Preparation Resources

Our Program has created myriad tools to help laboratories prepare for semi-annual IACUC facility inspections. We encourage you to review the following with your staff – including any students – who may be involved in animal care and use:

• Lessons Learned from Winter 2024 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections (newsletter article)
• Are You Inspection Ready? Checklist (PDF download)
• Aquatics Facilities Checklist (PDF download)

Questions?

Should you have any questions or concerns about semi-annual IACUC facility inspections, please contact the Animal Care & Use Office at [email protected]or (734) 763-8028.

On behalf of the IACUC and our many cross-campus partners, we hope you join us in embracing these inspections as an opportunity for further evaluation and assessment of our individual and collective operations in service to the animals entrusted to our care.

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