Approximate LD50 determinations of snake venoms using eight to ten experimental animals

A method is described for the assessment of lethal toxicity of venoms using a modified LD50 assay. With this test it is possible to obtain an LD50 using only 8-10 experimental animals, instead of 30 or more. It is suggested for ethical, scientific and economic reasons that this method be tested in laboratories involved in screening of venoms for lethality and, if found satisfactory, it should replace the classical LD50 assay.