Animal Testing Alternatives

Groups interested in seeking alternatives to animal testing refer to their approach as the three Rs. The three Rs are refinement, reduction and replacement. Replacement means an alternative to doing any animal testing at all or replacing a test currently done on animals with one that does not require animal testing. Reduction refers to methods that reduce the number of animal tests that are required. Refinement means altering testing methods so that they cause less distress and suffering in animal testing subjects.

Population Studies

• Epidemiological studies are also known as population studies. These types of studies involve looking at the total environment and checking a number of factors such as diet, age, occupation and other factors to try to refine the questions that scientists need to answer. These questions do not always eliminate animal testing but by refining the information needed they can considerably reduce the amount of testing required.

In Vitro

• In vitro testing, also known as cell and tissue culture, tests the effects of diseases, medicines, toxins or other substances on actual human tissue in a laboratory environment. These cells are either harvested from humans or grown in a laboratory. Frequently, as in the case of skin or blood cells, they can be taken from living people without doing them any real damage. With in vitro testing, scientists can choose which types of cells and from which part of the body they are interested in testing.

Computer Models

• Computers, with advanced animation and high resolution, can simulate many biological processes. Computers can be used to simulate the effect of diseases, chemicals and medicines on human or animal biological systems without the need for actual animal testing. In some ways these simulations may be more accurate as they can show side effects that scientists weren't directly looking for. As scientists learn more about the human genome this type of modeling should become even more accurate.

Others

• Some organizations such as Global Action Network suggest testing on human populations such as volunteers and patients. While there have been some calls to start using living patients earlier in the testing process in the case of terminal diseases, for the most part these suggestions will meet with considerable obstacles because of laws against medical testing on humans.