Alternatives To Animal Testing: A Review

This article presents an overview of reducing the number of animals used in animal testing for medical purposes, improving living and test conditions when animals are used, and removing animals entirely from testing processes. In vitro experimentation, computer analysis and modeling, and the replacement of mammals with “lower,” non-mammalian species, insects, and microorganisms are discussed. The authors conclude that utilization of these alternatives can reduce the number of animals used in animal testing while producing dependable results.

“The number of animals used in research has increased with the advancement of research and development in medical technology. Every year, millions of experimental animals are used all over the world. The pain, distress and death experienced by the animals during scientific experiments have been a debating issue for a long time. Besides the major concern of ethics, there are few more disadvantages of animal experimentation like requirement of skilled manpower, time consuming protocols and high cost. Various alternatives to animal testing were proposed to overcome the drawbacks associated with animal experiments and avoid the unethical procedures. A strategy of 3 Rs (i.e. reduction, refinement and replacement) is being applied for laboratory use of animals. Different methods and alternative organisms are applied to implement this strategy. These methods provide an alternative means for the drug and chemical testing, up to some levels. A brief account of these alternatives and advantages associated is discussed in this review with examples. An integrated application of these approaches would give an insight into minimum use of animals in scientific experiments.”