Alternatives to Animal Testing Resources

The following resources were selected to assist researchers, information specialists, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) members conducting literature searches on alternatives to animal experimentation and ways to minimize research duplication.

Other Internet resources to consider:


The Three R's

The alternatives to animal testing concept incorporates the 3 R's introduced by W. M. S. Russell and R. L. Burch (1958) in their book The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, London. The 3 R's represent: reduction of the number of animals used, refinement of techniques and procedures to reduce pain and distress, and replacement of animan with non-animal techniques. For more information on the Three R' s (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement):


Databases

Many investigators routinely do searches in PubMed, but may not be aware of other databases that can be useful in determining if animal testing alternatives are available. The use of multiple databases to conduct a thorough literature search can be a great way to include all pertinent information on a topic. Some to consider include:

For a listing of animal-related electronic resources provided by the Welch Library, please consult the Welch eResources for Comparative Medicine.


Keyword Selection

Examples of Subject Headings and Keywords to use in searches for alternatives to animal testing:

alternative(s)
computer aided instruction
mannequin(s)

reduction, reducing

analgesics
computer assisted instruction
models, anatomical

refine, refinement

anesthetics
computer simulation
models, animal
replace, replacement
animal husbandry
disease models, animal
models, biological
simulation
animal testing alternatives
distress
models, cardiovascular
simulator(s)
animal use alternatives
environmental enrichment
models, genetic
software
animal welfare
housing
models, neurological
stress
artificial
housing, animal
models, statistical
stress, psychological
artificial intelligence
"hypnotics and sedatives"
organ culture
tissue culture
caging
in vitro

pain

vitro
cells, cultured manikins pain, postoperative virtual
(surgery, reality)

Questions to Consider


Last updated: January 30, 2007, Carrie Iwema