A typical IACUC search is trying to identify articles that cover three topics (also known as the 3 R's):

1. Reduction
2. Refinement
3. Replacement

Can the number of animals be reduced?

Can the animal be replaced with a non-animal model (in vitro) or a lower phylogenetic species?

Refinement involves minimizing the pain and distress experienced by the animal and asks the question: What is the most humane endpoint possible?

Based on USDA requirements, the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus IACUC protocol requires researchers to report the following information about their literature search: 

• the name(s) of the databases searched (one database is seldom adequate);
• the date the search was performed;
• the time period covered by the search; and
• the search strategy, meaning the actual search string entered into the database (not simply a list of search terms).