Endpoint criteria describe when it is time to do what?

Endpoint criteria are established guidelines used in research involving animals to determine when an animal should be removed from a study due to welfare concerns, adverse effects, or achieving specific research goals. The purpose of endpoint criteria is to ensure the humane treatment of animals and to minimize suffering.

When the predetermined conditions defined by the endpoint criteria are met, it is time to intervene and remove the animal from the study. This intervention is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in research, safeguarding animal welfare, and complying with regulations and guidelines set by bodies like IACUC.

In contrast, while continuing the study, increasing monitoring, or reassessing study parameters might be appropriate actions in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate need to intervene for the welfare of the animal as defined by endpoint criteria. The focus of endpoint criteria is specifically on the point at which intervention is necessary to ensure the well-being of the animal involved in the research.