In Vitro Testing

The term in vitro testing refers to experimentation and research done in nonliving models. “In vitro” comes from the Latin word meaning “in glass” Thus, in vitro testing provides alternative test methods to testing on living models. Such nonanimal research and testing services effectively reduce animal use.

In vitro testing can be used for many purposes, including for acute toxic responses such as eye or skin injury that may occur from products. With in vitro testing, many nonanimal methods can replace the use of live animals in research and testing. Thus companies can test the safety and efficacy of their products using methods that do not cause pain and distress to animals.

Manipulation of tissue culture and cell physiology makes in vitro testing possible. Cell cultures can be nurtured and allowed to develop in a glass dish. By adding or subtracting nutrients and other media, the cell cultures can be altered. These changes are carefully observed, recorded, and documented. Propagation and transformation of cell cultures can be assessed so that a substance added to the glass dish can be identified as a growth factor, a mutagen, or a poison. Moreover, this type of testing can be performed in a controlled environment under pristine conditions. As long as aseptic technique is practiced, the effect of a substance on a group of cells can be carefully monitored. Hence, in vitro testing will continue to be popular among the scientific community.