According to the Guide, which statement is true regarding the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals?

The correct choice is that the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals should be described and justified in the IACUC-approved protocol. This aligns with the guidelines set forth in recognized standards for animal research, which emphasize the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in the use of research animals.

Describing and justifying the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals in the IACUC protocol ensures that the research team clearly understands the implications of their usage, including potential effects on animal welfare and scientific validity. Such justification helps the IACUC evaluate the necessity and appropriateness of using these chemicals, thereby maintaining the integrity of the research and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

In contrast, the other statements provided do not accurately represent the correct guidelines. Minimizing the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals without requiring specification in the protocol does not meet the standard of thorough documentation needed for ethical oversight. Stating that non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals may only be used on certain species restricts the use of these chemicals without considering the context of the research and its necessity across various animal models. Lastly, outright prohibition of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals is not practical as there are situations where their use is justified, provided proper justification is given in the protocol.