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The need for alternatives to animal use was guided by the 3R's principle and culminated in the development and acceptance by European Pharmacopoeia of the in vitro alternative method, the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT, 2.6.30/ 2010). MAT uses as matrix human monocytes sources (whole blood, PBMC, or cell lines) respecting the concept of the 3R's and excluding inherent risks to inter-species extrapolation. This is a promising and efficient method, which detects broad spectrum of pyrogens and cover limitations of current recommended pharmacopoeial in vitro test the (Bacterial Endotoxin) and the Rabbit Pyrogen Test. Despite the advantages addressed to MAT, some technical-scientifics and regulatories roadblocks may be transposed to its effective implementation in the industrial routine, especially for biological products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of artificial models for training blood collection in dogs and the learning provided by them. Forty students of veterinary medicine without previous experience in collecting blood participated in this study. These students were divided equally and randomly into two groups, named "test" and "control". Both groups received previous theoretical training, and only the "test" group received previous training in three artificial models for simulation of blood collection in dogs. Thereafter, both groups collected blood samples of 40 dogs. The students had their performance evaluated by three blind evaluators during the blood collection procedure, and also answered a questionnaire. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used, considering statistically significant p<0.05. Relative risk, relative and absolute risk reduction for the difficulty in collecting were also calculated. The relative risk reduction was 0.33, the absolute risk reduction was 0.15 and the relative risk was 0.67, which confirms that students who receive prior training showed less difficult for blood collection than those who didn't receive training. Most of the students evaluated positively the practical training. The use of artificial models for blood collection was adequate to prepare the students who have never collected blood for a first collection in a real animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant discussion about the harmful use of animals in education is related to the creation and validation of new alternative methods to the use of live animals. The aim of this work is to describe three inexpensive artificial models for training venipuncture in small animals. Cheap and easily acquired material were used in the building of the models, such as wood, latex tubes, elastic bandaging tape, adhesive tape, and intravenous administration set. The models were created to represent reality in terms of vessel diameter, consistency of structures and proportion to the forearm and neck. The collection techniques included venipuncture using syringe for blood collection and administration of drugs; vacuum tubes for blood collection; and catheter insertion for fluid administration. The three models were developed to help students in learning the techniques of venipuncture and are not substitutes for practice in living animals. However, they help professionals, veterinary medicine students and veterinary technicians in their first contact with venipuncture techniques. This previous training increases professional confidence. Moreover, there is no possible contact with infectious material. These cheap, simple and easy to prepare models may be made by any professional, serving as an alternative to the use of animals in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]