An independent Peer Review Panel (PRP) was assembled on
Jan. 21, 1999, to evaluate the extent to which each of the ICCVAM validation and acceptance criteria had been addressed,
and to determine the usefulness and limitations of Corrositex® for the identification of potential human corrosive chemicals or chemical mixtures.
The PRP evaluation focused on the performance of Corrositex® compared to the in vivo rabbit skin
corrosivity test. The Panel concluded that for certain testing circumstances,
such as testing performed to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Corrositex® is useful as
a stand-alone assay for evaluating the corrosivity or noncorrosivity of acids, bases, and acid derivatives.
In other testing circumstances, and for other chemical and product
classes, the Panel concluded that Corrositex® may be used as part of a tiered assessment strategy.
The peer review panel also concluded that Corrositex® offers advantages with respect to animal welfare considerations.
First, Corrositex®, when used as a stand-alone assay for some testing applications such as transportation purposes, can
replace the use of animals for corrosivity testing of qualified chemicals in some chemical classes. Secondly, when used as
part of a tiered testing strategy for corrosivity, there is a reduction in the number of animals required because positive
results usually eliminate the need for animal testing, and when further testing in animals is determined to be necessary,
only one animal is required to confirm a corrosive chemical. Finally, Corrositex® provides for refinement in that most
of the chemicals that are identified as negative by Corrositex® or nonqualifying in the detection system are unlikely
to be corrosive when tested on animals for irritation potential.
Corrositex® Independent Peer Review Panel Report [PDF]
NIH Press Release (June 22, 1999): "Science Panel Endorses New Non-Animal Test
to See if Chemicals Will Burn, Corrode Skin and Eyes"
Other Related Documents and Sites:
ICCVAM Proposed MPS, Report:
- The ICCVAM Dermal Corrosivity and Irritation Working Group (DCIWG) Proposed Minimum Performance Standards (MPS)
for three types of In Vitro Tests for Skin Corrosion:
InVitro International's
Corrositex® Site
SAMPLE PROTOCOL:
CORROSITEX® -
A Validated and Accepted Dermal Corrosion Test Method for Classifying Substances According to the UN Packing
Groups (October 2003)
- Disclaimer
This protocol is provided as an example of a validated and accepted dermal corrosion test method for
classifying substances according to UN packing groups. Before using this protocol, users are encouraged to
contact InVitro International,
Inc. to ensure that it is the latest version. The posting of this protocol does not constitute an
endorsement of this test method by the U.S. government.
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