Which of the following statements is true regarding review outcomes in full committee review versus designated review of animal protocols?

The statement regarding the "withhold approval" option being available in full committee review is accurate because the full committee has the authority to decide on the outcome of a protocol during a convened meeting. When an animal protocol is reviewed in a full committee setting, the committee can approve, require modifications to secure approval, or withhold approval based on the merits of the proposed study and its adherence to ethical guidelines.

In contrast, designated review typically involves a smaller subset of the committee reviewing certain protocols, often those that are considered to present minimal risk. However, while designated reviewers can make recommendations, the flexibility of withholding approval is stronger during full committee reviews where deeper deliberation and discussion can occur. The distinct structure of full committee reviews allows for comprehensive oversight and thorough consideration of ethical implications, leading to the option of withholding approval when necessary.

This understanding is essential for ensuring that animal research protocols meet required ethical and welfare standards.