Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide a step-by-step guide to routine activities, facilitating efficiency, quality output, and uniformity of performance. They can also reduce miscommunication and assist in compliance with industry regulations.
As well as reducing variability in tasks and activities, SOPs also help reduce the information applicants must produce in their methodology. The SOPs listed in this register have been submitted by Charles Sturt University staff and approved by the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).
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When do you need to include a SOP? chevron_right
If SOPs are relevant to your proposed procedures, you must list them.
If no SOP exists for the activities that you are performing, you can either write out your methodology in full or submit a new SOP using the template to be considered along with your application.
If a chief investigator chooses to list a SOP in their application to the AEC and they are granted authority, the SOP MUST be the method employed as part of the protocol. Any practice outside of a SOP must be noted in the methodology of the application for committee review and only used when approval has been granted i.e. if your requirements are very similar to a listed SOP but you need to make a minor modification, provide the SOP number and title, but then also provide details of the proposed deviation for AEC consideration.
If approval is granted by the AEC for the deviation from the SOP it is for that authority only.
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Developing a new SOP chevron_right
You should use the SOP template when writing a new SOP.
It is recommended to include diagrams, photos, and links to videos in the SOP.
There are different categories of animal use that you should include in any new SOP.
Once the AEC approves a SOP it will be added to the SOP register where other applicants can then nominate to use the SOP.
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Who can perform a SOP? chevron_right
To perform any of the listed SOPs the operator must be considered competent. In the relevant section of your application, you will be required to identify the people performing the procedures and their experience. If further training is required, you must advise who will provide the training and how competency will be assessed. Anyone who is not yet competent must be supervised.
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SOP review cycle chevron_right
SOPs need to be reviewed every 3 years, if you want to use a SOP that has a lapsed approval you will need to update it and resubmit it along with your application.