Testing
Tests
Our NZ affiliate provides tests and models that can be used to research:
Metabolic conditions (diabetes, cardio, obesity, cholesterol, gut health, hypertension) Immune reactivity (joint health, immune reactivity)
Tests can be used to support marketing claims, product development and regulatory requirements for:
Skin Products
Inflammation
Safety and toxicity
Bioavailability
Wound healing
Microbial effects (bacteria, fungi, viruses
Health foods
Dietary supplements
Natural products
Veterinary products
Skin care and wound healing
Safety and toxicity
In Vitro
Some Interesting Points
The cost of assaying several samples may be very similar to investigating one sample. The maximum number of samples depends on the assay.
For example a routine angiogenesis (aortic ring) study can evaluate up to 6 samples. A T-cell proliferation study can assess 15 samples.
Each sample is assayed at least in triplicate to ensure the reliability of results, and include both a negative and a positive control sample in each assay. The former provides a base line or reference to use for comparing effectiveness of the test samples. The latter provides confirmation that the experimental model has performed satisfactorily
Where living tissues or cells are used as the basic substrate, it may take variable lengths of time to grow the cells or tissues before the study can commence – nature has a way of being difficult whenever one wants to rush things.
Samples for testing need to be soluble. There are several solvent systems that are compatible with the cells and tissues used in these experiments. We will discuss the options with you as the study plan is being prepared.
In Vivo
Some Interesting Points
All in vivo studies must be approved by an animal ethics committee that is completely independent of Bioactive Research. This is a legal requirement which ensures that all studies are conducted to the highest standard.
All research must have a genuine potential benefit supported by prior information from the literature or in vitro studies.
Each sample is assessed in a multiple number of animals.
The number of replicates required is a function of the number of study factors, the predictive requirements, model risks and so on.
Frequently a minimum of 6 to 8 animals per group is needed.
Defined parameters around the nature of animal required. e.g. be age or weight constraints, gender specifications, strain requirements.
It may take several weeks to secure sufficient animals of a given type for a study.
Cost is not proportional to the number of samples to be assessed.
The marginal cost for assessing multiple samples is often modest.