Graphic: computer-generated.

The TABST is a safety test for veterinary vaccines in which an overdose of vaccine was administered to a target animal species (depending on the species for which the vaccine was intended) to check whether each batch of vaccine produced is safe for a particular species. However, several studies had shown that the method was not specific enough and could lead to false results.

The test has been criticized since at least the 1990s.⁽¹⁾ In Europe, the waiver of the safety test for inactivated (VICH GL50R) and live vaccines (VICH GL55) for veterinary medicine has been in force since May 2017.⁽²⁾

Source:
https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/landmark-decision-spares-animals-in-india-from-obsolete-testing-for-veterinary-vaccines/

Further information:
⁽¹⁾ Roberts B, Lucken RN. Reducing the use of the target animal batch safety test for veterinary vaccines. Dev Biol Stand. 1996;86:97-102. PMID: 8785997.
⁽²⁾ European Commission. TSAR - Tracking System for Alternative Methods towards Regulatory acceptance. Topic: Quality control of vaccines. https://tsar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/test-method/tm1997-01