A flow-through diffusion cell system for the prediction of skin penetration has been validated at Charles River. The model estimates the absorption and dermal delivery of a test item as part of the risk assessment. The studies are designed to comply with appropriate test guidelines and are dependent on the intended use of the test item.
Many regimes are used to apply a test item to the excised skin, including simple solvents, liquids, gels, creams, pastes, volatiles, and matrix patches. Different test preparations can be screened rapidly to select the optimal formulation for subsequent testing.
Charles River sources fresh human skin (breast and stomach) from cosmetic surgery following informed consent from the patient. Skin from other species (e.g., rat, rabbit, and pig) may also be investigated.