What is expected of designated reviewers regarding the consensus on a protocol?

Designated reviewers are a critical component of the protocol review process within an IACUC context. Their role is not simply to provide individual opinions or assessments but to ensure a thoughtful and collaborative evaluation of proposed research protocols. The expectation for designated reviewers is that they must reach a consensus on the protocol being reviewed. This consensus is essential to establish that all reviewers are in agreement about the protocol's adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

If the designated reviewers are unable to achieve consensus on the assessment of a protocol, the appropriate action is to call for a full committee review. This step allows the entire IACUC committee to evaluate the protocol collectively, ensuring rigorous scrutiny and comprehensive consideration of all aspects of animal welfare involved in the proposed research. This process protects against potential oversight and enhances the overall integrity of animal research conducted under the institution's auspices.

Other options reflect misunderstandings of the consensus requirement. Individual decisions without consensus might lead to fragmented assessments that could compromise animal welfare and regulatory compliance. Adhering to majority opinion could also undermine the necessity for cohesive agreement among reviewers, which is not aligned with the ethos of collaborative ethical review. Additionally, while reporting findings to the principal investigator is a part of the process, it does not address the critical element of achieving