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https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/iccvam-ocular

Eye & Skin Irritation Testing

Chemicals and substances such as personal care products, pesticides, and cleaning supplies are tested to determine if they might injure eyes or skin and to classify them for appropriate labeling and packaging. Nearly all of these tests, referred to as ocular and dermal irritation tests, have been conducted using animals. NICEATM and ICCVAM have evaluated methods that can replace animals for this purpose.

Ocular Irritation Tests

Bovine cornea being placed into plastic holder

Defined Approaches to Identify Potential Eye Irritants

Defined approaches to testing and assessment combine data from multiple sources to support hazard evaluations. See current NICEATM projects here. More
Labelled test subjects in rows

OptiSafe Test Method

NICEATM coordinated a validation study of the OptiSafe test method, a non-animal method to test for ocular irritants. Read about the study. Go
Female scientist in safety gear examining test tubes

Short Time Exposure Test

NICEATM reviewed data on the short time exposure test to identify ocular irritants. The review led to international acceptance of the test. Learn more. Go
Gloved hand injecting a syringe

In Vitro Test Methods to Identify Ocular Irritants

ICCVAM evaluated and developed recommendations for five in vitro test methods used to identify ocular irritants. Learn more about the recommendations. Go
Female scientist in safety goggles and gloves working with chemicals

In Vitro Testing Strategy for Ocular Hazard Classification & Labeling of Antimicrobial Cleaning Products

ICCVAM evaluated an EPA-sponsored submission for an in vitro testing strategy to assess eye irritation potential of antimicrobial cleaning products. Read about the evaluation. Go

Dermal Irritation Tests

Stacks of paper documentation and charting with a green pen on top

Performance Standards for Evaluating Dermal Corrosivity Methods

ICCVAM established performance standards for in vitro test methods for dermal corrosives. Learn more about performance standards. Go
Child scratching hand

In Vitro Methods for Dermal Corrosivity Testing

ICCVAM reviewed three non-animal methods to identify dermal corrosives, substances with the potential to cause severe or permanent damage to skin. Read about the review. Go
Set of jars filled with liquids of varying cleanliness and clarity

Corrositex® Assay

An ICCVAM-sponsored panel concluded that the non-animal Corrositex® test is useful for evaluating the corrosivity of acids, bases, and acid derivatives. Learn more. Go