Validation of alternative toxicity test systems: lessons learned and to be learned.

Validation in the context of in vitro toxicity tests is defined, and various aspects of the validation process are discussed, including the design and conduct of interlaboratory validation schemes; the selection of tests, participating laboratories, and test chemicals; the selection and use of in vivo data; in vivo/in vitro data comparison; the question of "false" results; in vitro cytotoxicity as a predictor of actual lethal toxicity; and the validation of alternatives to the Draize eye irritancy tests. It is concluded that a thorough reevaluation of current practice is essential if the promise and potential of nonanimal toxicity tests are to be fully realized and if valid alternative tests acceptable to regulatory agencies are to be developed.