# ARRIVE vs PREPARE guidelines ## Quick Answer - ARRIVE guidelines govern how animal study results are reported in publications, while PREPARE guidelines govern how animal studies are planned before experiments begin. - Choose PREPARE when designing a study and ARRIVE when writing the manuscript, with both used across the full research cycle for maximum transparency. - Neither guideline replaces ethical review, institutional approval, or compliance with local regulations, and both require adaptation to specific study contexts. ## Understanding the Two Guidelines The ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines and the PREPARE (Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence) guidelines address different stages of the animal research lifecycle. ARRIVE focuses on the reporting of completed studies, ensuring that publications contain sufficient detail for readers to evaluate methodology and replicate findings. PREPARE focuses on the planning phase, helping researchers consider all factors that influence the quality and welfare of animal studies before they begin. The [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/) serves as a central repository for reporting guidelines across health research, including ARRIVE. Researchers can use the EQUATOR Network to identify which reporting guideline applies to their specific study design and to access the latest versions of these standards. The network also provides resources for transparent research reporting, which supports the broader goal of making research methods and findings accessible and verifiable. The distinction between planning and reporting matters because each stage has different requirements and different stakeholders. During planning, researchers need to consider animal welfare, experimental design, statistical power, and resource allocation. During reporting, researchers need to describe what was done in sufficient detail that others can evaluate the work and potentially reproduce it. A study that is well planned but poorly reported loses much of its value to the scientific community, and a study that is well reported but poorly planned may produce unreliable results. ### Historical Development The ARRIVE guidelines were developed in response to concerns about the quality of reporting in animal research. Poor reporting makes it difficult to assess the validity of findings and to compare results across studies. The guidelines were designed to provide a checklist of items that should be included in publications describing animal experiments. The PREPARE guidelines were developed later to address the planning phase. They recognize that many problems in animal research originate before the experiment begins, including inadequate consideration of animal welfare, insufficient attention to experimental design, and failure to anticipate practical challenges. PREPARE provides a framework for thinking through these issues systematically. Both guidelines are maintained and updated by their respective organizations. Researchers should check for the most current versions before applying them to their work. ## Core Principles of ARRIVE ### Purpose and Scope The ARRIVE guidelines are designed to improve the reporting of research using animals. They apply to studies involving live animals, including studies that use animal tissues or cells derived from animals. The guidelines cover the essential information that should be included in a publication, from the objectives and ethical statement to the details of the experimental procedures and statistical analysis. The guidelines are organized into a checklist of items that should be addressed in a research report. Each item corresponds to a specific aspect of the study that needs to be described clearly. The checklist is intended to be used by authors when writing their manuscripts and by reviewers and editors when evaluating submissions. ### Key Reporting Items The ARRIVE guidelines require authors to report the following categories of information: - Study design and allocation of animals to experimental groups - Sample size determination and the methods used to calculate it - Inclusion and exclusion criteria for animals - Randomization procedures - Blinding procedures - Outcome measures and how they were assessed - Statistical methods used for analysis - Animal husbandry and housing conditions - Ethical statements and approval details Each of these items contributes to the completeness of the research report. For example, reporting the sample size calculation allows readers to assess whether the study had sufficient statistical power to detect meaningful effects. Reporting the randomization and blinding procedures allows readers to evaluate the risk of bias in the study. ### The Essential 10 The ARRIVE guidelines include a subset of items known as the Essential 10. These are the items that are considered most important for evaluating the reliability of a study. The Essential 10 includes: - Study design - Sample size - Inclusion and exclusion criteria - Randomization - Blinding - Outcome measures - Statistical methods - Experimental animals - Experimental procedures - Ethical information The Essential 10 provides a minimum standard for reporting. Authors should address all of these items in their manuscripts, even if they are also addressing the full checklist. ## Scope of PREPARE ### Planning Considerations The PREPARE guidelines address the planning phase of animal research. They are designed to help researchers think through all the factors that could affect the quality of their study and the welfare of the animals involved. The guidelines cover a broad range of topics, from the initial formulation of the research question to the final stages of data collection. The PREPARE guidelines are organized into several domains, each addressing a different aspect of planning: - Formulation of the research question and the need for the study - Legal and ethical considerations - Animal welfare and the three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) - Experimental design and statistical planning - Animal husbandry and housing - Personnel and training - Health and safety considerations ### Planning Domains The PREPARE guidelines emphasize the importance of considering the research question before any animals are involved. Researchers should ask whether the study is necessary, whether there are alternatives to using animals, and whether the study design will provide reliable answers to the research question. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of legal and ethical compliance. Researchers need to be aware of the regulations that apply to their work and to ensure that they have the necessary approvals before beginning the study. The [NIH Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/) website provides information about the requirements for NIH-funded research, including the need for institutional animal care and use committee approval. ### Integration with the Three Rs The PREPARE guidelines are closely aligned with the Three Rs principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement refers to the use of alternatives to animals where possible. Reduction refers to the use of the minimum number of animals needed to obtain reliable results. Refinement refers to the improvement of animal welfare through better housing, handling, and procedures. The PREPARE guidelines help researchers apply the Three Rs in practice. For example, the guidelines encourage researchers to consider whether they can use fewer animals by improving their experimental design or by using more sensitive statistical methods. They also encourage researchers to refine their procedures to minimize pain and distress. ## Key Differences Between ARRIVE and PREPARE ### Timing of Use The most significant difference between ARRIVE and PREPARE is the timing of their use. ARRIVE is used after the study is complete, when the researcher is writing the manuscript for publication. PREPARE is used before the study begins, when the researcher is planning the experiment. This difference in timing has practical implications. A researcher who uses PREPARE during the planning phase will have a well-designed study that is more likely to produce reliable results. A researcher who uses ARRIVE during the reporting phase will produce a manuscript that is complete and transparent. ### Information Requirements The two guidelines require different types of information. ARRIVE requires information about what was done during the study, including the details of the experimental procedures, the statistical analysis, and the results. PREPARE requires information about what will be done, including the research question, the experimental design, and the resources needed. The information requirements reflect the different purposes of the guidelines. ARRIVE is designed to ensure that the report of a study is complete and transparent. PREPARE is designed to ensure that the study is well-planned and that all relevant factors have been considered. ### Audience The two guidelines also have different audiences. ARRIVE is primarily intended for authors, editors, and reviewers of scientific publications. PREPARE is primarily intended for researchers who are planning studies, as well as for institutional animal care and use committees and other oversight bodies. The different audiences reflect the different stages of the research process. Authors and editors need to ensure that published reports are complete and transparent. Researchers and oversight bodies need to ensure that studies are well-designed and that animal welfare is protected. ## At a Glance | Aspect | ARRIVE | PREPARE | | --- | --- | --- | | Primary purpose | Reporting of completed animal studies | Planning of future animal studies | | Timing of use | After study completion, during manuscript preparation | Before study begins, during experimental design | | Main audience | Authors, editors, reviewers | Researchers, animal care committees, oversight bodies | | Key focus | Transparency and completeness of published reports | Study quality, animal welfare, and resource planning | | Core framework | Checklist of reporting items | Domains of planning considerations | | Relationship to Three Rs | Supports evaluation of reported welfare and design | Directly guides implementation of the Three Rs | | Typical output | A manuscript that meets reporting standards | A study plan that addresses all relevant factors | ## Practical Implementation Steps ### Using ARRIVE for Reporting When you are preparing a manuscript that describes an animal study, you should use the ARRIVE checklist as a guide. The following steps will help you apply the guidelines effectively: 1. Obtain the current version of the ARRIVE checklist from the [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/) or the ARRIVE website. 2. Read each item on the checklist and determine whether your manuscript addresses it. 3. For each item, write a clear description in your manuscript that provides the required information. 4. Review your manuscript against the checklist to ensure that all items are covered. 5. Ask a colleague to review your manuscript using the checklist to identify any gaps. ### Step 2: Using PREPARE for Planning When you are planning a new animal study, you should use the PREPARE guidelines to guide your planning process. The following steps will help you apply the guidelines effectively: 1. **Formulate the research question.** Clearly define the question you are trying to answer and consider whether the study is necessary. 2. **Consider alternatives.** Review the literature to determine whether there are alternatives to using animals for your research question. 3. **Design the experiment.** Use appropriate statistical methods to determine the sample size and design the experiment. 4. **Plan for animal welfare.** Consider the housing, husbandry, and procedures that will be used and how they will affect animal welfare. 5. **Prepare the necessary approvals.** Ensure that you have the necessary ethical and regulatory approvals before you begin the study. 6. **Document your planning.** Keep a record of your planning decisions and the rationale behind them. ### Step 3: Integrating Both Guidelines The most effective approach is to use both guidelines together. Use PREPARE during the planning phase to design a high-quality study. Use ARRIVE during the reporting phase to ensure that your manuscript is complete and transparent. The integration of the two guidelines is supported by the broader research ecosystem. The [NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy) requires researchers to plan for data management and sharing, which is consistent with the planning focus of PREPARE. The [ORCID for Researchers](https://info.orcid.org/researchers) resource supports researcher identity and record maintenance, which is relevant to the reporting phase. ## Records and Measurements ### Documentation Requirements Both guidelines require careful documentation. For PREPARE, you need to document your planning decisions, including the research question, the experimental design, and the welfare considerations. For ARRIVE, you need to document the details of the study as it was conducted, including the procedures, the results, and the statistical analysis. The documentation requirements are important for several reasons. First, they ensure that the study can be evaluated by others. Second, they ensure that the study can be replicated. Third, they provide a record of the decisions that were made and the reasons for those decisions. ### Data Management The [NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy) requires researchers to plan for data management and sharing. This policy applies to research funded by the NIH and requires researchers to submit a data management and sharing plan with their grant application. The data management plan should describe how the data will be collected, stored, and shared. It should also describe the standards that will be used for data collection and the procedures for data sharing. The plan should be consistent with the PREPARE guidelines, which emphasize the importance of planning for all aspects of the study. ### Record Keeping for Compliance The [NIH Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/) website provides information about the requirements for NIH-funded research. This includes requirements for record keeping, reporting, and compliance. Researchers who receive NIH funding must maintain accurate records of their research activities and must comply with all applicable regulations. The [Committee on Publication Ethics](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) provides guidance on publication ethics, including authorship, peer review, data, conflicts of interest, and misconduct. Researchers should be familiar with these core practices and ensure that their research and reporting activities comply with them. ## Common Failure Patterns ### Failure to Use the Guidelines A common failure pattern is the failure to use either guideline. Many researchers are not aware of the guidelines or do not use them systematically. This can lead to studies that are poorly designed or reports that are incomplete. The consequences of this failure can be significant. A poorly designed study may produce unreliable results that cannot be replicated. An incomplete report may be difficult to evaluate or may contain errors that are not apparent to the reader. ### Confusing the Two Guidelines Another common failure pattern is confusing the two guidelines. Researchers may use ARRIVE during the planning phase or PREPARE during the reporting phase. This confusion can lead to problems because the guidelines have different purposes and require different types of information. For example, a researcher who uses ARRIVE during the planning phase may focus on the reporting requirements instead of the design considerations. This could lead to a study that is well-reported but poorly designed. Conversely, a researcher who uses PREPARE during the reporting phase may focus on the planning considerations instead of the reporting requirements. This could lead to a manuscript that is incomplete or does not meet the reporting standards. ### Incomplete Application of the Guidelines A third common failure pattern is the incomplete application of the guidelines. A researcher may use the guidelines but not apply them fully. For example, a researcher may use the ARRIVE checklist but not address all of the items. Or a researcher may use the PREPARE guidelines but not consider all of the domains. The incomplete application of the guidelines can lead to gaps in the study or the report. These gaps can affect the quality of the study and the reliability of the results. ## Welfare and Safety Context ### Animal Welfare Considerations The guidelines are designed to promote animal welfare. The PREPARE guidelines emphasize the importance of considering animal welfare during the planning phase. The ARRIVE guidelines require researchers to report the welfare of the animals in their studies. The welfare of the animals is important for both ethical and scientific reasons. Ethically, researchers have a responsibility to minimize the pain and distress of the animals they use. Scientifically, the welfare of the animals can affect the results of the study. Animals that are stressed or in pain may produce different results than animals that are healthy and comfortable. ### Health and Safety The PREPARE guidelines also address health and safety considerations. Researchers need to consider the health and safety of the animals and the people who work with them. This includes the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, the handling of hazardous materials, and the prevention of the spread of disease. The health and safety considerations are important for the well-being of the animals and the personnel. They are also important for the quality of the study. A study that is conducted in an unsafe manner may produce unreliable results. ### Regulatory Compliance The guidelines are not a substitute for regulatory compliance. Researchers must comply with all applicable regulations and institutional policies. The [NIH Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/) website provides information about the regulations that apply to NIH-funded research. The regulatory requirements include the approval of the study by an institutional animal care and use committee. The committee reviews the study to ensure that it is ethically acceptable and that the welfare of the animals is protected. ## Limitations and Escalation Criteria ### Limitations of the Guidelines The ARRIVE and PREPARE guidelines have limitations. They are not a substitute for scientific judgment. They are not a guarantee of the quality of the study or the reliability of the results. They are tools that can help researchers improve the quality of their work, but they cannot replace the expertise of the researcher. The guidelines are also not a substitute for statistical expertise. The guidelines can help researchers identify the need for statistical planning, but they cannot provide the statistical expertise needed to design a study and analyze the data. Researchers should consult with a statistician when they are planning a study. ### When to Seek Professional Help Researchers should seek professional help when they are uncertain about the design of their study or the reporting of their results. This includes consulting with a statistician, a veterinarian, or an animal welfare expert. Researchers should also seek professional help when they are uncertain about the regulatory requirements that apply to their work. The regulatory requirements can be complex and vary by jurisdiction. A professional can help researchers understand the requirements and ensure that they are compliant. ### Escalation Criteria Researchers should escalate their concerns to a supervisor or an institutional official when they identify a problem that they cannot resolve themselves. This includes problems with the design of the study, the welfare of the animals, or the compliance with regulations. The escalation criteria are important for the integrity of the research. A researcher who identifies a problem and does not escalate it may be contributing to the problem. A researcher who escalates a problem can help to ensure that the problem is addressed and that the research is conducted in a responsible manner. ## Building a Study-Specific Guideline Selection Protocol Researchers often struggle to decide which guideline applies to their work because the choice depends on the stage of the research lifecycle and the type of output they are producing. A practical decision framework can resolve this confusion by linking each guideline to a specific deliverable and a specific point in the study timeline. This section provides a structured protocol for selecting between ARRIVE and PREPARE, a record system for documenting guideline use, and a troubleshooting method for common selection errors. ### The Deliverable-Based Selection Framework The most reliable way to choose between ARRIVE and PREPARE is to identify the immediate deliverable you are producing. If the deliverable is a study plan, a grant application, an animal ethics application, or a protocol document, then PREPARE is the applicable guideline. If the deliverable is a manuscript, a thesis chapter, a conference abstract, or a final report describing completed work, then ARRIVE is the applicable guideline. This framework works because it ties the guideline to the artifact you are creating instead of to your general research activity. A researcher who is in the middle of data collection is not producing either deliverable and therefore does not need to actively apply either guideline at that moment. The planning work should have been completed before data collection began, and the reporting work will begin after data collection ends. The framework also handles the common situation where a researcher is preparing a grant application that includes preliminary data. The preliminary data section of a grant application describes completed work and should follow ARRIVE reporting standards for that portion. The proposed studies section describes future work and should follow PREPARE planning standards for that portion. A single document can therefore require both guidelines, but they apply to different sections of the document. ### Step-by-Step Selection Procedure To select the correct guideline for your current task, follow this procedure: 1. Identify the immediate deliverable you are producing. Write down the name of the document or artifact. 2. Determine whether the deliverable describes work that has already been completed or work that has not yet begun. 3. If the deliverable describes completed work, select ARRIVE and obtain the current checklist from the [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/). 4. If the deliverable describes future work, select PREPARE and obtain the current planning domains from the PREPARE website. 5. If the deliverable contains both completed and future work, apply ARRIVE to the completed sections and PREPARE to the future sections. 6. Record your selection and the rationale in your study file. This procedure is deliberately simple because the distinction between planning and reporting is the core difference between the two guidelines. Researchers who follow this procedure will not confuse the guidelines because they are forced to identify the deliverable before making a selection. ### The Two-Deliverable Rule A useful rule for researchers who manage multiple projects is the two-deliverable rule. At any given time, a researcher should be able to name two active deliverables related to each animal study. The first is the study plan, which is governed by PREPARE. The second is the manuscript or report, which is governed by ARRIVE. If a researcher cannot name both deliverables, they are likely missing a stage of the research process. A researcher who has a manuscript but no study plan has skipped the planning stage and may have produced a study that was not properly designed. A researcher who has a study plan but no manuscript has not yet completed the reporting stage and may lose valuable data if the work is never written up. The two-deliverable rule also helps researchers allocate their time. Planning work should be completed before the study begins. Reporting work should be completed after the study ends. A researcher who is spending time on reporting during the planning phase is using the wrong guideline. A researcher who is spending time on planning during the reporting phase is also using the wrong guideline. ### Record System for Guideline Use A simple record system can help researchers track their use of both guidelines across multiple studies. The record system consists of a table with one row per study and columns for the study identifier, the planning deliverable, the reporting deliverable, the date the planning deliverable was completed, and the date the reporting deliverable was completed. The record system serves several purposes. It provides a history of guideline use for each study. It helps researchers identify studies that are missing a planning or reporting deliverable. It also provides evidence of guideline use that can be shared with supervisors, ethics committees, or journal editors who ask about compliance. The record should be updated at two points in the research lifecycle. The first update occurs when the planning deliverable is completed, which is typically before the study begins. The second update occurs when the reporting deliverable is submitted, which is typically after the study ends. The record should include the version of the guideline that was used, because guidelines are updated over time and the version matters for documentation purposes. ### Linking the Record to Institutional Requirements The record system connects to institutional requirements through the [NIH Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/) website, which describes the expectations for NIH-funded research. The record provides evidence that the researcher has addressed the planning and reporting requirements that are part of responsible research conduct. The record also connects to the [NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy), which requires researchers to plan for data management and sharing. The planning deliverable in the record system should include a data management plan that describes how data will be collected, stored, and shared. The reporting deliverable should describe how the data were managed and shared in practice. The record system is not a substitute for the formal documentation required by an institutional animal care and use committee. The committee requires its own forms and approvals. The record system is an internal tool that helps the researcher stay organized and demonstrate that they have considered both planning and reporting requirements. ### Troubleshooting Method for Selection Errors When a researcher is uncertain about which guideline to use, the following troubleshooting method can resolve the uncertainty. The method is based on asking a series of diagnostic questions that identify the source of the confusion. The first diagnostic question is whether the researcher is describing a study that has already been conducted. If the answer is yes, the researcher should use ARRIVE. If the answer is no, the researcher should use PREPARE. This question resolves most cases of confusion because it directly addresses the timing of the study. The second diagnostic question is whether the researcher is writing for an audience that will evaluate the quality of the study or an audience that will evaluate the quality of the plan. If the audience will evaluate the quality of the study, the researcher should use ARRIVE. If the audience will evaluate the quality of the plan, the researcher should use PREPARE. This question is useful when the researcher is preparing a document for a specific audience, such as a funding agency or a journal. The third diagnostic question is whether the researcher is trying to demonstrate that the study was conducted properly or that the study will be conducted properly. If the researcher is demonstrating that the study was conducted properly, they should use ARRIVE. If the researcher is demonstrating that the study will be conducted properly, they should use PREPARE. This question is useful when the researcher is responding to a reviewer or a committee that has raised concerns about the study. ### Common Selection Errors and Their Causes The most common selection error is using ARRIVE during the planning phase. This error occurs when a researcher is familiar with ARRIVE because they have used it for previous manuscripts and assumes it applies to all aspects of their work. The correction is to recognize that the planning phase requires a different set of considerations, including the research question, the alternatives to animal use, and the welfare implications of the planned procedures. The second most common selection error is using PREPARE during the reporting phase. This error occurs when a researcher has used PREPARE for a protocol and assumes the same checklist applies to the manuscript. The correction is to recognize that the reporting phase requires a description of what was actually done, not what was planned. The manuscript must describe the actual procedures, the actual sample size, and the actual statistical analysis. The third selection error is using neither guideline because the researcher believes the guidelines are optional. This error occurs when the researcher does not understand the role of the guidelines in the research process. The correction is to recognize that the guidelines are not optional for researchers who want their work to be evaluated fairly and to contribute to the scientific record. The [Committee on Publication Ethics](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) core practices describe the expectations for transparent reporting, and the guidelines support these expectations. ### Applying the Framework to a Specific Study To illustrate the framework, consider a researcher who is planning a study to test a new compound in a mouse model of inflammation. The researcher is at the beginning of the project and has not yet submitted a protocol for approval. The deliverable is a study plan. The researcher should use PREPARE to guide the planning process. The researcher should work through the PREPARE domains, including the formulation of the research question, the consideration of alternatives to the mouse model, the design of the experiment with appropriate sample sizes, the planning of animal husbandry and welfare, and the identification of personnel and training needs. The researcher should document these decisions in the study plan. After the study is completed, the researcher will write a manuscript describing the results. The deliverable is now a manuscript. The researcher should use ARRIVE to guide the reporting process. The researcher should work through the ARRIVE checklist, including the description of the study design, the sample size, the randomization and blinding procedures, the outcome measures, and the statistical methods. The same study therefore requires both guidelines, but at different times and for different deliverables. The researcher who uses PREPARE during the planning phase and ARRIVE during the reporting phase will produce a study that is well-designed and well-reported. ### Using the Framework for Multiple Studies Researchers who manage multiple studies can use the framework to organize their work across projects. The record system can be expanded to include all active studies, with a column for the current stage of each study. The researcher can then identify which studies are in the planning phase and which are in the reporting phase. This approach helps the researcher allocate their time appropriately. A researcher who is planning three studies and reporting one study should spend more time on PREPARE than on ARRIVE. A researcher who is reporting three studies and planning one study should spend more time on ARRIVE than on PREPARE. The framework also helps the researcher identify studies that are stuck in one phase. A study that has been in the planning phase for a long time may have a problem with the research question or the experimental design. A study that has been in the reporting phase for a long time may have a problem with the data analysis or the manuscript preparation. ### The Role of the Framework in the Research Lifecycle The decision framework is not a replacement for the guidelines themselves. It is a tool that helps researchers apply the guidelines correctly. The framework does not change the content of the guidelines. It changes the way the researcher selects between them. The framework is also not a replacement for the judgment of the researcher. A researcher who is uncertain about the design of a study or the reporting of results should consult with a statistician, a veterinarian, or an animal welfare expert. The framework helps the researcher identify the correct guideline, but it does not provide the expertise needed to apply the guideline correctly. The framework is most useful when it is used in combination with the other resources that support responsible research. The [ORCID for Researchers](https://info.orcid.org/researchers) resource supports researcher identity and record maintenance, which is relevant to the reporting phase. The [NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy) requires researchers to plan for data management and sharing, which is consistent with the planning focus of PREPARE. ### Documenting the Decision for Reviewers When a researcher submits a manuscript to a journal, the editor or the reviewers may ask how the study was planned and reported. The researcher can use the record system to provide this information. The record shows that the researcher used PREPARE during the planning phase and ARRIVE during the reporting phase. The record also shows the version of the guideline that was used. This is important because the guidelines are updated over time. A researcher who used an older version of the guideline should be able to explain why the older version was used and whether the newer version would have changed the study or the report. The record system is also useful for the researcher who is preparing a response to a reviewer. If a reviewer asks for additional information about the study design, the researcher can refer to the planning deliverable to find the relevant information. If a reviewer asks for additional information about the reporting, the researcher can refer to the reporting deliverable to find the relevant information. ### The Role of the Framework in the Research Lifecycle The framework is best understood as a tool that supports the research lifecycle. The lifecycle begins with the formulation of the research question and the planning of the study. The lifecycle continues with the conduct of the study and the collection of the data. The lifecycle ends with the analysis of the data and the reporting of the results. The framework maps the guidelines to the lifecycle. PREPARE is used at the beginning of the lifecycle, during the planning phase. ARRIVE is used at the end of the lifecycle, during the reporting phase. The framework helps the researcher know which guideline to use at each point in the lifecycle. The framework also helps the researcher understand the relationship between the guidelines. The guidelines are not competing standards. They are complementary standards that address different parts of the lifecycle. A researcher who uses both guidelines is following the full lifecycle of the research, from the initial planning to the final report. ### The Framework and the Three Rs The framework also supports the Three Rs of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. The PREPARE guideline helps the researcher identify opportunities for the Three Rs during the planning phase. The ARRIVE guideline requires the researcher to report the Three Rs during the reporting phase. The framework helps the researcher apply the Three Rs in a systematic way. During the planning phase, the researcher uses PREPARE to consider whether the study is necessary, whether there are alternatives to using animals, and whether the experimental design uses the minimum number of animals. During the reporting phase, the researcher uses ARRIVE to describe the Three Rs in the manuscript. The framework also helps the researcher document the Three Rs for the record. The planning deliverable should include a description of the Three Rs that were considered. The reporting deliverable should include a description of the Three Rs that were implemented. The record system provides a place to store this information. ### The Framework and the Institutional Review The framework also supports the institutional review process. The institutional animal care and use committee reviews the study plan before the study begins. The committee uses the plan to evaluate the welfare of the animals and the scientific merit of the study. The PREPARE guidelines help the researcher prepare a plan that addresses the concerns of the committee. The committee also reviews the report of the study after the study is completed. The committee uses the report to evaluate the welfare of the animals and the scientific merit of the study. The ARRIVE guidelines help the researcher prepare a report that addresses the concerns of the committee. The framework helps the researcher prepare the documents that the committee needs. The planning deliverable is the document that the committee reviews before the study begins. The reporting deliverable is the document that the committee reviews after the study is completed. The framework ensures that the researcher has both documents ready at the appropriate time. ### The Framework and the Funding Agency The framework also supports the funding agency review process. The funding agency reviews the research plan before the study is funded. The agency uses the plan to evaluate the scientific merit of the study and the welfare of the animals. The PREPARE guidelines help the researcher prepare a plan that addresses the concerns of the agency. The funding agency also reviews the report of the study after the study is completed. The agency uses the report to evaluate the scientific merit of the study and the welfare of the animals. The ARRIVE guidelines help the researcher prepare a report that addresses the concerns of the agency. The framework helps the researcher prepare the plan and the report that the agency needs. The planning deliverable is the document that the agency reviews before the study is funded. The reporting deliverable is the document that the agency reviews after the study is completed. The framework ensures that the researcher has both documents at the appropriate time. ### The Framework and the Publication The framework also supports the publication process. The journal editor reviews the manuscript before it is published. The editor uses the manuscript to evaluate the scientific merit of the study and the quality of the reporting. The ARRIVE guidelines help the researcher prepare a manuscript that addresses the concerns of the editor. The journal also reviews the manuscript after it is submitted. The reviewers use the manuscript to evaluate the scientific merit of the study and the quality of the reporting. The ARRIVE guidelines help the researcher prepare a manuscript that addresses the concerns of the reviewers. The framework helps the researcher prepare the manuscript that the journal needs. The reporting deliverable is the document that the journal reviews. The framework ensures that the researcher has the reporting deliverable at the appropriate time. ### The Framework and the Researcher The framework also supports the researcher. The researcher uses the framework to organize their work and to ensure that they are using the correct guideline at the correct time. The framework helps the researcher avoid the common errors of using the wrong guideline or using the guideline incompletely. The framework also helps the researcher to document their work. The record system provides a record of the guideline use for each study. The record is useful for the researcher who needs to demonstrate compliance with the guidelines. The framework is a practical tool that the researcher can use to improve the quality of their work. The framework does not replace the guidelines. The framework helps the researcher apply the guidelines correctly. The framework is a tool that the researcher can use to ensure that their research is well-planned and well-reported. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the main difference between ARRIVE and PREPARE? The main difference is the stage of the research lifecycle they address. ARRIVE is used for reporting completed animal studies, while PREPARE is used for planning future animal studies. ARRIVE ensures that the report of a study is complete and transparent, while PREPARE ensures that the study is well-designed and that animal welfare is protected. ### Can I use ARRIVE and PREPARE together? Yes, you can and should use both guidelines together. PREPARE should be used during the planning phase to design a high-quality study. ARRIVE should be used during the reporting phase to ensure that the manuscript is complete and transparent. Using both guidelines together ensures that the study is well-designed and well-reported. ### Which guideline should I use for my study? The guideline you should use depends on the stage of your study. If you are planning a study, you should use PREPARE. If you are reporting a study, you should use ARRIVE. If you are doing both, you should use both guidelines. ### Are the guidelines mandatory? The guidelines are not mandatory in the sense that they are not legal requirements. However, many journals require authors to follow the ARRIVE guidelines when submitting manuscripts. The guidelines are also recommended by many funding agencies and institutions. ### Do the guidelines apply to all types of animal studies? The guidelines apply to most types of animal studies. However, they may not apply to all types of studies. For example, the guidelines may not apply to studies that use animals for educational purposes or to studies that use animals for the production of biological products. ### How do the guidelines relate to the Three Rs? The guidelines are closely related to the Three Rs of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. The PREPARE guidelines help researchers identify opportunities for the Three Rs. The ARRIVE guidelines require researchers to report the Three Rs in their manuscripts. ### Where can I find the current versions of the guidelines? The current versions of the guidelines are available from the [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/). The EQUATOR Network provides access to the latest versions of the guidelines and other reporting guidelines. ### What should I do if I have questions about the guidelines? If you have questions about the guidelines, you should consult the [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/) or the organizations that developed the guidelines. You can also consult with a colleague or a professional who is familiar with the guidelines. ## Using the Evidence | Source | Best use in this topic | Important limitation | |---|---|---| | [Research Methods Resources](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books) | official guidance | Check the linked page for current local requirements | | [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/) | official guidance | Check the linked page for current local requirements | | [Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) | official guidance | Check the linked page for current local requirements | ## Related Diagnostic Guides - [Confocal vs Fluorescence Microscopy: Which Technique Should You Choose?](/knowledge/diagnostics/imaging/confocal-vs-fluorescence-microscopy-which-technique-should-you-choose) - [Choosing Between Amplicon and Shotgun Sequencing for Targeted Diagnostics](/knowledge/diagnostics/molecular/choosing-between-amplicon-and-shotgun-sequencing-for-targeted-diagnostics) - [Animal Biology](/blog/guides/animal-biology) ## References and Further Reading - [Research Methods Resources](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books). National Library of Medicine. - [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/). EQUATOR Network. - [Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices). Committee on Publication Ethics. - [NIH Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/). National Institutes of Health. - [ORCID for Researchers](https://info.orcid.org/researchers). ORCID. - [Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy). National Institutes of Health. - [Laboratory Biosafety Manual](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240011311). World Health Organization. - [NCBI Literature Resources](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). National Center for Biotechnology Information. - [Endorsement of Animal Research: Incorporation of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) Guidelines/Gold Standard Publication Checklist (GSPC) by Chinese journals: A survey of journals' instructions for authors and editors.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31597543). Laboratory animals, 2019. - [Deep-learning based electromagnetic navigation system for transthoracic percutaneous puncture of small pulmonary nodules.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39833245). Scientific reports, 2025. - [Referrral Systems Development and Survey of Perioperative and Critical Care Referral to Anesthetists.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28928575). Anesthesia, essays and researches, 2017. > This article is educational and does not replace validated laboratory procedures, institutional biosafety review, manufacturer instructions, or professional interpretation.