Non-Human Research

Non-Human Research does not require IRB approval. However, we strongly encourage you to submit a brief description using our short form so that we can make an official determination. You may find this useful if you plan on submitting your research to a journal or professional meeting.

Non-human research does not involve:

  • Obtaining information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with one or more living individuals, and using, studying, or analyzing the information or biospecimens; or
  • Obtaining, using, studying, analyzing, or generating identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens; or
  • Including human subjects as recipients of an FDA-regulated test article (such as an unapproved drug or device) or as controls.

Examples of Non-Human Research include:

  • Only using leftover, de-identified specimens
    • Only using commercial cell lines
      • Data/specimens from a repository received in a de-identified manner by recipient investigator
      • Use of publicly available data/specimens

Submit the form to IRBmail@uthscsa.edu for an IRB determination of non-human subjects research:

  • -Non-Human Research Determination Request Form