IACUC Protocol Expiration Tracker

The IACUC protocol lifecycle

An IACUC protocol follows a predictable lifecycle: initial full committee review (or designated member review for lower-risk studies) → approval → continuing reviews at annual intervals → expiration after the maximum term (typically 3 years) → de novo submission for renewal.

• Approval date: when the full committee (or DMR) approved the protocol
• Continuing review dates: annual anniversaries of the approval date
• Expiration date: approval date + term length (usually 3 years)
• Submission deadlines: typically 60-90 days before each review date to allow for IACUC processing

The PHS Policy (IV.C.1-5) and Animal Welfare Act Regulations (§2.31) mandate these review cycles. AAALAC also evaluates institutional compliance with protocol review timelines during accreditation site visits.

Common protocol expiration pitfalls

This is the #1 mistake. No matter how many amendments are approved, the original expiration date does not change. A major amendment filed in year 2 still leaves only 1 year on the original 3-year clock.

Submitting a continuing review the week before it is due almost guarantees a lapse. IACUCs need time for administrative review, potential questions, and committee scheduling. Start the continuing review 90 days early and submit 60 days before the due date.

PIs running 3-5 protocols with staggered approval dates frequently miss deadlines. A centralized tracker — whether this free tool or ConductColony — prevents oversight.