It is important to remember that ALL animal tissue purchases MUST use the Animal Tissue Form found on the Gateway Homepage. This form routes to our Campus Veterinarian for review and approval.
When UCSB investigators contract with other institutions (public or private) to generate custom antibodies, Federal regulations and UCSB IACUC Guidelines require that our IACUC confirm that the other institution has appropriate vertebrate animal procedures and approvals (i.e. PHS Assurance and USDA Registration).
Here are some questions to consider when using the Animal Tissue Form:
- Does the PHS Policy apply to the production of custom antibodies or to the purchase of surgically modified animals?
he generation of custom antibodies is an activity involving vertebrate animals and covered by PHS Policy. Antibodies are considered customized if produced using antigen(s) provided by or at the request of the investigator (i.e., not purchased off-the-shelf). An organization producing custom antibodies for an awardee must have or obtain an Assurance, or be included as a component of the awardee’s Assurance. In addition, the awardee must provide verification of project-specific IACUC approval for the production of the antibodies. - Does the PHS Policy apply to use of animal tissue or materials obtained from dead animals? The use of dead animals or parts of animals is not covered by the PHS Policy unless the activity involves (1) killing animals for the purpose of obtaining or using their tissues or other materials, or (2) project-specific antemortem manipulation of animals prior to killing them. If either circumstance is applicable to the acquisition of dead animals, body parts or tissues, prior IACUC protocol review and approval are required.
Please click here to download a full copy of the Custom Antibody Protocol Form