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