What Other Ways Are There to Test Products Instead of Animal Testing?

Laboratory animals are used for experiments to find a cure for fatal diseases, to safety test chemicals used in cosmetics, drugs and in a wide range of consumer products and to acquire skills and knowledge in medical practice. Due to the increasing negative reactions of the public and of several international organizations for animal rights, researchers have tried other alternatives, although they admit that animal testing still remains a necessary resource for experimental trials.

The Three R's

• Alternative methods to animal testing fall into three categories: total or partial replacement, reduction and refinement. In vitro techniques use cell cultures instead of living bodies to reproduce similar experimental conditions. Total replacement of animals can be done using human cells and tissues; when cells and tissues from animals are used, replacement is partial and, even if living animals are not used, they still may be killed to collect these samples. In experiments that require living bodies to get accurate results, the use of modern medical technologies (such as the MRI) and techniques (analgesics) can reduce the number of animals and the pain and distress these procedures may cause them.

Primary Cell Cultures

• Primary cell cultures are processed in vitro to produce reactions that different chemical products may have on the human body. They are prepared from liver, kidney, brain and skin tissue in three-dimensional structures for better results. When living organisms are required, researchers use non-mammalian model organisms like the roundworm, the zebrafish and the fruit fly. These organisms display useful properties for testing, are highly available and have a reduced cost.

Epidemiological Studies

• A way to find out the causes of human diseases is the study of human behavior. These are important elements to consider in health issues and are part of epidemiological studies. Details about personal diet, habits, professions or social life dynamics facilitate the understanding of how these components trigger disease and how changing conditions can cure or ameliorate it. Because no testing is necessary, epidemiological studies represent an alternative to reduce testing on animals.

Virtual Models

• Animal testing is expensive and time consuming --- results can sometimes be seen in months and years. Besides, it is difficult and sometimes irrelevant to extrapolate results of tests on small animals to the human body. A more accurate and fast alternative is the computer simulation program; it represents a long-term investment and a reduction in the number of animals used for testing. Computer simulations have similar results, but without the pain and killing implied in animal testing. They are also used on a large scale in education and many veterinary schools adopt them for student practice.