Turn around times for review

The IRB office is confident that our turnaround times are much faster than the national average.  It is important to note that the review and approval process involves both the IRB and Researcher: the amount of time the researcher takes modifying and resubmitting the updated protocol must be considered as part of the turnaround time.

All research submitted to the IRB office will be reviewed either by the full IRB, by an Expedited committee, or in-office. The IRB office determines what type of review is required.  If it is determined that a protocol can be reviewed in the IRB office, you can expect a response within 7-10 days.  If it is determined that a protocol requires review by either the full or Expedited committees, please refer to the meeting Dates and Deadlines.

Metrics pulled from 10/2010 to 10/2011 show mean turnaround times as follows:

Full Review
    Mean time to review: 14.6 days
    Mean time to approval: 31.2 days

Expedited Review
    Mean time to review: 11.7 days
    Mean time to approval: 16.3 days

Exemption
    Mean time to exempt determination: 7.3 days

While these numbers include submissions that take months to receive full approval, as well as exemptions that may be approved the same day that they are submitted, it is important to note that exception to these numbers might include:

International research

International studies typically require full review. Because of the complexities involved, the number of full review studies that are deferred is proportionately much higher for international studies.  Please plan accordingly. International research protocols should be submitted at least 2 months before the researcher plans to leave Madison.

Research involving prisoners

Per the federal regulations, the prisoner representative must be present at IRB meetings where prisoner research is reviewed. In addition, if prisoner research receives federal funds, approval is conditional until certification is received from OHRP.

Research requiring additional documentation

Research that requires a data use agreement, where the researcher is seeking a federal Certificate of Confidentiality, or where site permission is required (in particular, school districts) takes additional time.  While the IRB can grant conditional approval so that these additional documents can be sought, final IRB approval is not given until those documents have been obtained and submitted.