How to Set Up IACUC Protocols
IACUC protocols define the approved animal counts and validity windows for your lab's research projects. Set up protocols with species limits and expiration dates, then assign animals so Moustra tracks remaining allowance and prevents you from exceeding caps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open the IACUC page
Click IACUC Protocols in the navigation menu to open the protocol management page.
Create a new protocol
Click Add Protocol at the top of the page. A form will appear asking for basic protocol information.
Enter protocol details
Fill in the Protocol Number (e.g., "IACUC-2024-001"), the Approval Date, and the Expiration Date. These dates define the validity window for the protocol.
Pro Tip
Keep your protocol number consistent with your institution''s naming convention for easy cross-reference.
Specify approved species and limits
Add rows for each approved species (e.g., mice, rats) and enter the maximum approved count for each. For example: Mice—500, Rats—100. You can edit these limits later if needed.
Pro Tip
Moustra will warn you if you try to assign an animal to a protocol when its species limit is already reached.
Save the protocol
Click Save to create the protocol. It will now appear in the protocol list and become available for assignment to animals.
Assign animals to the protocol
Open an animal''s record, navigate to the Details or Protocol field, and select the IACUC protocol from the dropdown. You can assign one protocol per animal.
Pro Tip
If an assignment would exceed the species limit, Moustra will show an error; resolve it by adjusting the protocol limit or removing other animals.
Monitor remaining allowance
Return to the IACUC Protocols page to see a summary of each protocol''s approved limit, current usage, and remaining allowance. This helps you plan breeding and assignments.