Benford, D. J., R. Roguet, and J. Southee. Human Skin Models: A Discussion Report. Toxic. in Vitro 1997. 11: 589-590. [Reprinted with permission from Elsevier Science]

Several presentations were made in this area of biomedical research and discussion centered around the use of human skin models. "The group concluded that, even with favourable legislation, there will always be difficulties in obtaining suitable human tissue and it is therefore essential to minimize and prioritize its use. Fresh human tissue is likely to be essential for some research purposes. Cell lines would be preferable for toxicological screening but human tissue studies might contribute to the validation process. It was agreed that ESTIV should set up a working party to interact with other groups using human tissues, investigate the requirement for human tissues and to provide a profile on the value of research with human tissues in order to influence potential legislation."