---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 285l–2"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "285l–2"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/285l-2"
units:
  - "Chapter 6A — Public Health Service"
  - "Subchapter III — National Research Institutes"
  - "Part C — Specific Provisions Respecting National Research Institutes"
  - "Subpart 12 — national institute of environmental health sciences"
---

# §285l–2. Definitions


In sections 285l–2 to [285l–5](/usc/42/285l–5.md) of this title:

- (1) **Alternative test method—** The term “alternative test method” means a test method that—
  - (A) includes any new or revised test method; and
  - (B)
    - (i) reduces the number of animals required;
    - (ii) refines procedures to lessen or eliminate pain or distress to animals, or enhances animal well-being; or
    - (iii) replaces animals with non-animal systems or one animal species with a phylogenetically lower animal species, such as replacing a mammal with an invertebrate.
- (2) **ICCVAM test recommendation—** The term “ICCVAM test recommendation” means a summary report prepared by the ICCVAM characterizing the results of a scientific expert peer review of a test method.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 106–545, § 2, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2721.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.