The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals 8th Edition: “Continuing IACUC oversight of animal activities is required by federal laws, regulations, and policies.” “PAM helps ensure the well-being of the animals and may also provide opportunities to refine research procedures.”
Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) is a program that monitors laboratory research related activities to confirm congruence of research activities to the approved IACUC protocol and to ensure continued compliance with the federal regulations and guidelines that govern research. The program is designed to establish collaborative partnerships between the IACUC and investigators to promote animal welfare, quality research and improve the overall research animal program.
What is the benefit of PAM?
PAM provides an opportunity for in-depth direct observation of research procedures and activities on approved protocols. It can also open the dialogue for research practice improvement and helps build collaborative relationships between researchers and IACUC. PAM can also serve to assess the effectiveness of training programs and identify possible training flaws.
Who will monitor the laboratory research activities?
A member of the IACUC office staff will take the role of PAM Liaison and will conduct the research monitoring.
How will I know when my research activities will be inspected?
All approved and active IACUC protocols will be considered for PAM once every three years, or as needed. Though all IACUC approved protocols may be scheduled for PAM, considerations that prompt unplanned PAM are protocols that include USDA Pain Categories E or D, surgical procedures, recent modifications adding new species or activities. The PAM Liaison will review a protocol with an approval from the year prior (i.e. if approved in 2020, will be reviewed in 2021) and plan a visit. The Primary Investigator will receive notification regarding a pending PAM inspection and a mutually convenient date will be scheduled. All and any staff that are involved in the approved research activities should be present during the PAM visit.
What is the PAM process?
The PAM Liaison will review the protocol and the research activities for congruency. Suggestions or on the-spot training may occur. A PAM report will be disclosed to the IACUC Committee at the subsequent meeting. A follow-up email from the PAM Liaison will be sent to the Principle Investigator within 2 weeks following the PAM.
What types of research activities will be monitored?
PAM methods include, but are not limited to protocol review, laboratory visits, review of sanitation practices, observation of procedures, observation of animal handling & husbandry practices, animal number tracking and congruence, and follow-ups to reported concerns. Follow-ups to reported concerns may occur at any time.
The PAM liaison will use a checklist during the PAM visit. See checklist here.