Joint positive control testing in guinea pig skin sensitization tests. A harmonized approach

Area of Science:

• Veterinary science
• Laboratory animal science

Background:

• Current methods for reliability and sensitivity checks in laboratories require a significant number of guinea pigs annually.
• Lack of harmonization in guinea pig testing methods and data interpretation leads to comparability issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a scheme for joint positive control testing across multiple laboratories.
• To assess the feasibility and benefits of a coordinated interlaboratory approach for guinea pig studies.

Main Methods:

• A coordinated scheme for joint positive control testing was implemented across six participating laboratories.
• The validation phase involved joint reading of positive control studies to assess congruency.

Main Results:

• The proposed scheme, when adopted, can reduce annual studies from approximately 12 to 2, saving 150-300 guinea pigs per year.
• Joint reading during validation demonstrated clear congruency in data interpretation.
• Harmonization of methods and interpretation was achieved, leading to more comparable results.

Conclusions:

• A coordinated interlaboratory approach for positive control testing is feasible and acceptable.
• The joint positive control testing scheme represents an improvement in animal welfare.
• This approach enhances the comparability and reliability of guinea pig test data.