IACUC - Literature Research

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee - IACUC

Part of the IACUC process is ensuring your literature research is up to date and complete with appropriate search terms, methods, and execution. We can assist in the literature search process to ensure your searches are at the levels required by the IACUC committee and the USDA.

Useful Links for IACUC Applicants

• K-State IACUC
• K-State University Research Compliance Office (URCO)
• K-State IACUC Forms
• K-State IACUC Resources

Databases for IACUC Applications

IACUC Applications require applicants to utilize two or more scholarly databases for their literature research sections. These databases do not include Google Scholar, online searches through Google, Bing, or other online repositories (including, but not limited to, K-State's Search It). Databases can include scholarly databases from K-State, another university institution, or government database, to name a few. Below is a list of useful databases for IACUC literature research at K-State :

• PubMed
• CAB Direct
• Agricola (especially used for those utilizing large/ag animals)
• Web of Science
• PubAg
• Psychology & Behavioral Science Collection
• VetMed Resource
• Scopus
• Wildlife & Ecology Studies Worldwide
• All K-State Databases

These are some of the most popular databases used in IACUC literature research but is not a comprehensive list.

Protocol Sections for Literature Research

50.30 - 50.70 : Literature Search for Unnecessary Duplication

All research protocols (with the exception of most teaching protocols) must include a literature search. Below are some tips on conducting your literature search in these sections:

• Keywords need to reflect your background, objectives, and non-technical synopsis.
• Keywords should reflect the purpose of your study and include all relevant terms.
• Appropriate use of Boolean is a must. For a more complete understanding of Boolean logic, please see our Boolean Operator LibGuide.
• Your narrative (section 50.70) should reflect your findings and discuss how many articles were found in each database and a brief explanation of the contents, how it relates to your proposed protocol, and how there are no articles that indicate unnecessary duplication.

100.40 - 100.100 : Replacement and Refinement Searches

If any animal(s) being utilized in your IACUC protocol is in category D or E, a replacement and refinement search is mandatory. These searches ensure that no unnecessary harm or duplication of study is inflicted on animals in your research.

100.70 - Replacement Search

Replacement searches should include the exact search you preformed in section 50.60 with the inclusion of these replacement terms: AND (replacement OR replacements OR alternative OR alternatives OR audiovisual OR cell culture OR in vitro OR tissue culture OR computer OR digital OR simulation OR model OR models OR mannequin OR mannequins OR visual OR virtual).

Refinement Search

This section can be filled in with N/A if all of these requirements are met:

• You have met with the A.V. recently,
• All methods of animal husbandry and welfare, including drugs listed and procedures that will be performed, have been approved by the A.V. during your consultation.

Contact Information for Assistance with Literature Searches

For additional assistance with your IACUC literature research sections, please contact Andi Parrish.