Alternative methods
Alternative methods in the narrower sense are procedures which employ insentient materials. This includes experiments on isolated organs, organ, tissue and cell culture as well as chemical, biochemical, microbiological and immunological methods. These methods are also known as in vitro methods (in vitro = in the test tube). The in silico methods are also ranking among the alternative methods. These are procedures employing the computer in order to predict e.g. toxicity of substances.
Alternative methods in the broader sense can be counted among the experimental designs which are essentially based on the thoughts of the english scientists Russell and Burch that were publicized as early as 1959. In their publication they developed the principle of the 3R meaning the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experiments. Replacement can be achieved e.g. by cell culture (see above), a reduction in the number of experimental animals by novel techniques or improved statistical methods. To expose animals to as little stress and pain as possible is the goal of the third R- refinement. This can be achieved through a more careful preparation of the animals for the experiment, improved anaesthetic procedures and pain management as well as good care and nurture of animals in general. Refinement is nevertheless only a temporary solution: the ultimate goal of this work must always be the complete replacement. Alternatives to animals are increasingly recognized as desirable by legislation.
