Step 5. Can Your Human Subjects Research be Reviewed by the Expedited Process?

What does “expedited” mean?

All non-exempt human subjects research must obtain IRB review and approval.
The vast majority of research projects qualify for expedited review which is conducted by a single “designated reviewer” rather than reviewed by a group of IRB members at a convened IRB meeting.
The time from submission to approval is generally faster for expedited applications compared to those reviewed by the convened IRB. However, time to approval depends on things like the inclusion of vulnerable populations, the complexity of the study, or when the UW is reviewing on behalf of other institutions. HSD’s median turnaround times for expedited research are listed on our website.

The research activities present no more than minimal risk to subjects
The research activities fall into one or more of seven federally-defined expedited categories
Any involvement of prisoners is limited to research activities that do not include interaction, intervention, or direct observation of prisoners

Full details, including a description of each of the expedited research categories, can be found in the worksheet, Expedited Review.

The steps for submitting an application for IRB review are the same whether it will be reviewed by a designated reviewer or the convened IRB.

Complete the standard IRB Protocol form or on the No Contact version of the form.
In Zipline, create a new application by clicking on the Create a New Study button and following the instructions. Attach your completed IRB Protocol form at the indicated place.
HSD will assess your application to make sure it qualifies for expedited review.
Instructions for submitting the study and responding to the IRB’s requests for clarification or changes can be found in the Zipline Researcher Guide.

Contact your HSD Team or send an email to hsdinfo@uw.edu if you have questions or want guidance. Identify your department in your email.
WORKSHEET Expedited Review