Laboratorioelimistäs

Laboratorioelimistäs is a term that translates from Finnish to "laboratory animal". It refers to any animal used in scientific research and experimentation, particularly in biomedical fields. These animals are typically mammals, such as mice, rats, rabbits, and primates, but can also include amphibians, fish, and even invertebrates depending on the research objectives. The use of laboratory animals is a subject of significant ethical debate and is strictly regulated in most countries. Regulations often govern the housing, care, and experimental procedures performed on these animals, aiming to minimize suffering and ensure animal welfare.

The primary purpose of using laboratory animals is to study diseases, test the safety and efficacy of drugs and treatments, and understand biological processes. This research is often considered crucial for advancing medical knowledge and developing new therapies for human and animal health. However, concerns about the ethical implications of animal testing have led to the development of the "3Rs" principle: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement encourages the use of non-animal alternatives whenever possible. Reduction aims to minimize the number of animals used in experiments. Refinement focuses on improving experimental techniques and animal care to reduce pain and distress. Despite the ongoing development of alternatives, laboratory animals continue to play a role in many areas of scientific inquiry.