post approval verification & education (Pave)

 PAVE’s primary goal is to foster partnership – between UTEP and its researchers, funding and regulatory agencies, and the public by assisting researchers to stay in compliance with approved protocols, policies, regulations, and by working to promote best research practices.

If observed research activities are deemed non-compliant, the PAVE office will work alongside the PI and research team to resolve the deficiency and get back into compliance in a quick and efficient manner to ensure that research is not delayed or compromised.

For furthery information visit the PAVE website. 

semi-annual inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use program at UTEP will review at least once every 6 months the Institution's program for humane care and use of animals, including its own polices and procedures, using the Guide as a basis for evaluation. Additionally,the institutions animal facilities, including satellite facilities, Principal Investigator labs, and animal surgical sites will also be inspected. The IACUC Chair, Attending Veterinarian, other members of the IACUC, and/or an ad hoc consultant will perform the evaluation and inspection of the facilities and program. A report of the IACUC inspections will be prepared, reviewed, and signed by the Institutional Official and all applicable members of the IACUC. 

Prepare for semi-annual inspections

An IACUC staff member will email you and your lab in advance with the date and time that your inspection will take place. A representative member from your lab should be designated to meet during this time. IACUC committee members will be performing the inspection and will be asking questions regarding protocol procedures, drugs and agents used, and any other information provided in the lab's protocol. 

During the inspection, the IACUC committee members will be evaluating:

• Equipment used on animals
• Cleanliness of facilities
• Appropriate documentation of controlled substances
• Appropriate documentation of sharps/surgical logs
• Potential hazards and safety for lab personnel
• Euthanasia practices
• Storage and expiration dates of drugs, chemicals, equipment
• Labeling of chemicals, drugs, equipment
• Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
• Adherence to aseptic techniques

For more information and other considerations taken for semi-annual inspections please use the OLAW Inspection Checklists.