Alternatives to Animal Testing

Many of the tests that are harmful to the animals cost a lot of money to perform and are a decent-sized part of the government’s spending each year.

One new way of testing is to use the Neutral Red Uptake Assay test, in which scientists test cells that have been pre-grown into little petri- like dishes and study them to determine possible skin irritation effects.  Another less harmful way to test is through in- vitro studies; where samples of human cells and tissues are studied to help find cures for deadly diseases such as AIDS, and to help determine if a pharmaceutical drug will work as a vaccine.

Another way of studying effects of products on human skin is by using skin cultures removed during surgeries or using skin donated by volunteers. Testing products this way will result in a more direct link to how it will affect humans.

in-vitro

cell cultures