The Draize test is a method of testing the irritant levels of cosmetic, household, or pharmaceutical products on live animals, typically rabbits. The test involves exposing the animals to the product and monitoring the resulting damage to their eyes or skin. However, in recent years, alternative testing methods have been developed, such as growing tissue from cell cultures or obtaining animal and human corneal tissue from eye banks.
A Draize test involves using animal subjects to test for irritant levels of cosmetic, household, or pharmaceutical products. Developed in 1944 and named after American pharmacologist John Henry Draize, the two most commonly used types of tests include the Draize eye test and the Draize skin test. Laboratories may use different animal species for research testing purposes, but the most often preferred animal has been the rabbit. In 2011, some laboratories adopted testing procedures that do not require live animals.
The researchers wanted to know the possible irritating effects various products have on living tissue. The Draize test exposes live animals to these substances and monitors the resulting damage. Rabbits have become popular subjects for eye irritation tests, as they have no lacrimal ducts, and therefore no tears, to wash away caustic solutions. Technicians typically placed the rabbits in one type of enclosure with only the head exposed. Metal or plastic clips placed on the eyelids usually kept the eyes from blinking or closing.
With six to nine rabbits firmly positioned, the technicians would drip the solution directly into the animals’ eyes. Concentrated solutions may contain flakes, powders or liquid substances. The technicians would then monitor the effects of the solution on the corneal tissues. The observation times typically occurred at regular intervals and could last over the course of a few days. The longest recorded Draize test allegedly surfaced in an 18-day time period.
Scientists have historically used a number of different animal species for skin corrosion testing. This type of Draize test generally required that a considerable portion of the test subject’s fur be shaved off. The underlying skin then received an abrasion, often by tightly applying duct tape directly to the skin. A technician quickly removed the tape and repeated the process until there was enough skin abrasion.
The product under investigation was then applied to the skin and the type and degree of skin corrosion that occurs were monitored. Test animals were generally restrained to prevent removal of the irritant. For a set period of time, the results were monitored and recorded.
As an alternative to Draize testing, organizations such as the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association fund other means of testing products. These organizations promote the growth of necessary tissue from cell cultures. Some companies have developed methods to grow epidermal keratinocytes into stratified squamous epithelium similar to corneal or dermal tissue. Research labs can also obtain animal and human corneal tissue from eye banks.
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