Top 10 Errors in Filling Out an ASRF

1. B1 Project Summary: The project overview is not written in language understandable to a lay audience or does not provide a clear explanation for the use of animals to achieve the project objectives (AWA S2.31[e], PHS policy IV [D][1]).

2. C4 Animal Numbers: The total number of animals requested is not justified. Clarification on the scientific and numeric justification of animal numbers, particularly how the size of the groups is determined has not been provided. (AWA S2.31[e][1][2]), PHS policy IV [D][1][a], IV [D][1][b]).

3. E1/E2 Procedures: The procedure sections appear to have been "cut and pasted" from a grant proposal, resulting in inadequate detail of the actual procedures involving live animals.

4. E1/E Procedures: Details of Animal Use - Description of procedures and/or surgery, anesthesia and analgesia, method of surgical asepsis, drugs (dosages and routes of administration), adjuvants (total volume, volume/site, route), duration of procedures, and/or overall duration of experiment is not explained thoroughly (AWA S2.31[d][1][iv], S2.31[e], S2.31[e][1][ix], PHS policy IV [D][1]).

5. F1/F2 Post Procedural Concerns: Details of post-procedural monitoring and care, including the use of post-procedural analgesics and who will perform the monitoring is inadequate (AWA S2.31[d][iv]), S2.31[d][v]), PHS policy IV [C][1][b], IV [C][1][c]).

6. F1/F2 Post Procedural Concerns: The expected clinical signs, potential for pain, discomfort and distress, including the assessment criteria that will be used for monitoring the animals is inadequate (AWA S2.31[d][iv]), S2.31[d][v]), PHS policy IV [C][1][b], IV [C][1][c]).

7. F3 Procedures: Expected Experimental Endpoints are not provided. (AWA S2.31[d][1][v], PHS policy IV [C][1][c]).

8. H Literature Search: The alternatives searches for unnecessary duplication, use of animals and alternatives to painful procedures is not adequate. Literature search terms such as "Animal Welfare", "Animal Alternative", and species may not be included. Search results do not show how all of the key words were combined (AWA S2.31[d][iii]).

9. I1-I3 Qualifications and experience of individuals to perform the procedure in this species are not detailed in personnel forms. Employee's specific role in the project and/or specific training and experienced are not explained. (AWA S2.31[d][1][viii], PHS policy IV [C][1][f]).

10. Signature Page. Departmental Chair signature: Signature is not obtained in instances where the funding source does not have a Scientific Peer Review process. Examples of this may include departmental or corporate funding (AWA S2.31[d][1][i], S2.31[e][4], PHS policy IV [C][1][a]).

AWA = Animal Welfare Act Section 2.31 and the Public Health Policy have been noted where applicable