Abnormal Toxicity Testing Service

The Abnormal Toxicity Test (ATT) is a historical screening method used in the quality control of biological products, including vaccines, antitoxins, and other injectable formulations. The test aimed to identify unexpected toxic substances that might cause adverse reactions when administered. It involved injecting a sample into laboratory animals (usually mice or guinea pigs) to observe for signs of illness or death, indicating potential contamination.

Although once widely used, ATT has been largely phased out in many countries due to advancements in manufacturing controls, alternative validated methods, and ethical concerns regarding animal use.

Key Points:

• Purpose: Detect unexpected toxic contaminants in injectable biological products.

• Test subjects: Typically mice or guinea pigs.

• Products tested: Vaccines, antitoxins, blood products, and other injectables.

• Outcome: Observation for illness or death post-injection.

• Current status: Largely replaced by modern, validated in vitro methods and improved GMP practices.