Why does the IACUC have to inspect my animal areas? The USDA, PHS/OLAW, & AAALAC all require the IACUC to inspect all of UF’s animal facilities and laboratories at least every 6 months.
The inspections are performed semi-annually (April, May, & June; October, November, & December)
In general, the IACUC will be looking for the following:

Appropriate drug storage, control, and expiration date monitoring
Expired drugs & supplies are separated, marked, and/or disposed properly
USP grade drugs or justification to use non-USP grade
Protocols available in all laboratories & staff knowledgeable of protocol
Up to date calibration of anesthesia machines
Drug/controlled substances log maintained
IACUC approval letters displayed on doors if animals are housed in facilities other than ACS
Temperature & humidity logs in housing rooms outside of ACS
No human food and/or drink in any animal room
Separate surgery areas for prep, procedure, and recovery
Aseptic technique used in all survival surgeries
Staff informed of “whistle-blower” policy
General cleanliness of lab areas
In lab SOPs and logs for cleaning frequently used equipment
For more detailed lists of the what the IACUC will look for on inspections, see the Housing Checklist and the Lab Checklist. Please note that these are not comprehensive lists.

The IACUC may cite any deficiency they observe. Deficiencies fall into 2 categories: minor & significant. A significant deficiency is defines as a deficiency that is or may be a threat to the health or safety of animals.
The IACUC will send the PI a copy of the inspection report. The PI is required to respond in writing that the deficiencies were corrected or will be corrected within a specified time frame. Written corrective action can be sent to the IACUC via email, fax, interoffice mail, or postal mail.
The IACUC is required to write and send a semi-annual report outlining all deficiencies to the Institutional Official & OLAW.