How reliable are these alternative methods compared to traditional ones?
The reliability of alternative methods can vary depending on the specific technique and its application. Validation is crucial to ensure that these methods provide accurate and reproducible results. Regulatory agencies and scientific bodies are actively working to establish guidelines and standards to assess the validity of alternative methods. In many cases, alternative methods have demonstrated comparable or even superior reliability compared to traditional approaches. For instance, in vitro and in silico methods can offer insights into human-specific responses that are not achievable through animal models. However, it is essential to recognize that no single method can entirely replace traditional toxicology; rather, a combination of approaches may be required to obtain comprehensive data.
