Is an Animal Experimentation Protocol (AEP) needed for experiments on animal tissues?
The use of dead animals or parts of animals is not covered by the PHS Policy unless the activity involves (1) euthanizing animals for the purpose of obtaining or using their tissues or other materials, or (2) project-specific antemortem manipulation of animals prior to euthanizing them. If either circumstance is applicable to the acquisition of dead animals, body parts or tissues, prior IACUC protocol review and approval are required. Thus, if animals are euthanized on an approved protocol and as described in an approved IACUC protocol, dead tissues can then be used for research and do not require an additional IACUC approval.
