What must an investigator do to use an animal in more than one major operative experiment?

• A. The investigator must have a separate protocol approved for each experiment.
• B. The investigator must prove he will economize by operating on the same animal multiple times.
• C. The investigator must submit the scientific rationale to the IACUC and get their approval.
• D. Each surgery must be related to a different IACUC-approved protocol.

Answer: (C)

When an animal is to be used in more than one major operative experiment, IACUC oversight requires a scientific justification and approval before proceeding. The investigator must present the rationale for using the same animal for multiple major procedures and obtain approval from the IACUC. This review ensures that the overall plan is scientifically sound, ethically justified, and that animal welfare is protected through appropriate anesthesia, analgesia, postoperative care, and humane endpoints. The protocol can cover multiple procedures if their scope fits within what has already been approved, possibly via amendments; if not, a new or amended protocol must be submitted for review. This approach aligns with regulatory requirements and the principles of the 3Rs, balancing scientific objectives with animal welfare.