Quality assessment of a placental perfusion protocol

Validation of in vitro test systems using the modular approach with steps addressing reliability and relevance is an important aim when developing in vitro tests in e.g. reproductive toxicology. The ex vivo human placental perfusion system may be used for such validation, here presenting the placental perfusion model in Copenhagen including control substances. The positive control substance antipyrine shows no difference in transport regardless of perfusion media used or of terms of delivery (n=59, p<0.05). Negative control studies with FITC marked dextran correspond with leakage criteria (<3 ml h(-1) from the fetal reservoir) when adding 2 (n=7) and 20mg (n=9) FITC-dextran/100 ml fetal perfusion media. Success rate of the Copenhagen placental perfusions is provided in this study, including considerations and quality control parameters. Three checkpoints suggested to determine success rate revealed that 15% of the cannulated placentae received in one year (n=202) were successfully perfused.