Need help navigating the alphabet soup? Learn commonly used abbreviations and terms, along with definitions.
Abbreviations
| AOps | Animal Operations System |
|---|---|
| AV | Attending Veterinarian |
| AUMS | Animal Use Medical Screening |
| AWA | Animal Welfare Act |
| BUA | Biological Use Authorization |
| CLATR | Center for Laboratory Animal Training Resources |
| DCM | Department of Comparative Medicine |
| DOD | Department of Defense |
| EH&S | Environmental Health & Safety |
| ESCRO | Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight |
| IACUC | Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee |
| IO | Institutional Official |
| MOU | Memorandum of Understanding |
| OAW | Office of Animal Welfare |
| OAWRSS | Office of Animal Welfare Research Support Services |
| OHR | Occupational Health Recommendations |
| OLAW | Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare |
| OSP | Office of Sponsored Programs |
| PI | Principal Investigator |
| PHS | Public Health Service |
| USDA | United States Department of Agriculture |
| WaNPRC | Washington National Primate Research Center |
Glossary
| AAALAC International | AAALAC International is a private non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary program accreditation. The UW has been AAALAC accredited since 1982. |
|---|---|
| Attending Veterinarian (AV) | The AV is charged with establishing and maintaining a program of appropriate veterinary care for all animals in the University’s care. The AV or designee has final authority regarding the health and welfare of the animals at the University, the necessity for and components of treatment administered, and the necessity for euthanasia. Regulations require consultation with the AV or designee regarding the design of all studies involving more than momentary pain or distress. The AV is also a voting member of the IACUC. |
| HoverBoard | HoverBoard is the UW’s electronic protocol management system. All protocol items must be submitted in HoverBoard for review. |
| IACUC Guideline | An IACUC Guideline provides general expectations and reference information to assist investigators when writing their IACUC protocols and conducting their research. Deviations from an IACUC Guideline do not necessarily require scientific justification, although justification may be requested by the IACUC during review of the protocol. |
| IACUC Policy | An IACUC Policy establishes a rule or principle that applies broadly to animal care and use at the University of Washington and is approved by the IACUC. |
| Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) | The IACUC is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the use of vertebrate animals and cephalopods in research, teaching, and/or testing at UW. The IACUC also provides oversight of this animal work by regularly inspecting all animal facilities, investigating concerns involving the animal program and ensuring that individuals working with animals are properly trained. The IACUC provides a report the Institutional Official on a semiannual basis. |
| Institutional Official (IO) | The IO, appointed by the President of the University, is the individual in the organization having the administrative and operational authority to commit institutional resources to ensure that the animal care and use program complies with regulatory requirements. The IO works closely with the Attending Veterinarian and leadership within OAW, DCM and WaNRPC to oversee all aspects of animal research at UW. The IO also appoints all members of the IACUC. |
| Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) | When collaborating with outside institutions, a formal written agreement in the form of an MOU is established to addresses the responsibility for offsite animal care and use, animal ownership, and IACUC review and oversight. |
| Principal Investigator (PI) | The PI is an individual who is designated and given the authority by a University department, school, or administrative unit to direct the research program or project. The PI provides the scientific and technical direction for the research. The PI has the responsibility and authority to enforce regulations and policies related to research, animal welfare, and worker safety. This includes ensuring that the facilities are appropriate for the research conducted and for ensuring that personnel who will be involved with the project are trained. |
| Scientific Liaison | Every Principal Investigator with an IACUC protocol is assigned a Scientific Liaison. Your Scientific Liaison is your primary point of contact within OAW, and can help you with grant and protocol items as well as wide range of other animal related topics. Visit the OAW Liaison Program page to learn more. |