Version 3, New Animal Component of Research Protocol (ACORP)

After January 1, 2005, version 3 of the ACORP must be used by IACUCs for review. Version 2 or 2a of the ACORP may be used until then. Either Version 2/2a or Version 3 will be accepted as part of JIT reviews until January 1, 2008 to accommodate investigators who have received local IACUC approval on Version 2 prior to the January 1, 2005 deadline for Version 3 adoption. Important information regarding the use of these files is located at the bottom of this page.

The files are available in Rich Text format. To download:


Version 3 ACORP Files

Rich Text
ACORP Main Body Version 3
Appendix 1, Non-VA Animal Facility Version 3
Appendix 2, Antibody Production Version 3
Appendix 3, Test Substances Version 3
Appendix 4, Antemortem Specimen Collection Version 3
Appendix 5, Surgery Version 3.1
Appendix 6, Special Husbandry and Procedures Version 3
Appendix 7, Request to Use Patient Procedural Area for Animal Studies Version 3
Appendix 8, Request to Use Explosive Agents in Animal Facilities or in Animals Version 3
Appendix 9, Additional Local Information Version 3
ACORP Main Body and Appendices 1 - 9, Self-Extracting Zip File All Version 3 Files

Important Information

1. When do investigators have to use VERSION 3 of the new ACORP?

Answer - After January 1, 2005, Version 3 must be used. Versions 2 or 2a of the new ACORP may be used until then. Either Version 2/2a or Version 3 will be accepted as part of JIT reviews until January 1, 2008 to accommodate investigators who have received approval on Version 2 or 2a prior to the January 1, 2005 deadline for Version 3 adoption.

2. Can I still provide suggestions for improving version 3 of the ACORP?

Answer - Yes. Direct comments to the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer via e-mail: michael.fallon@med.va.gov. Comments and suggestions will be archived for use when opportunities to make further changes in version 3 arise. However, no significant changes to version 3 are likely for 1-2 years once it is approved by VA Headquarters.

3. Can my station IACUC modify the new draft ACORP?

Answer - Yes, but only so long as the numbering of the questions is not altered and original text is not removed from the items. These stipulations are necessary to prevent confusion among the secondary veterinary medical reviewers. If a station IACUC wishes to collect additional information, please use Appendix 9 (Additional Local Information) for that purpose as much as possible.

4. If I have a problem filling out the new draft ACORP, whom do I call?

Answer - Please contact your local veterinarian or IACUC Chair first. If they cannot answer your question, then the veterinarian or IACUC Chair can contact the CVMO by e-mail ( michael.fallon@med.va.gov).


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Last modified: February 24, 2004