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Arm-in-Cage Mosquito Repellent test
Standard technique for testing the efficacy of mosquito repellents.
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Quick understanding about test
Arm-in-Cage Mosquito Repellent test - Standard technique for testing the efficacy of mosquito repellents.
Used for testing topical repellent formulations (lotions, creams, sprays) and repellent-impregnated textiles.
- Aedes,
- Anopheles,
- Culex species are the required mosquito strains for this test.
- Conventional method: A repellent is applied to a volunteer's forearm and exposed to 200 mosquitoes every 30 minutes. This process continues for up to 8 hours or until the repellent stops working.
- Modified methods: 30 mosquitoes are used for the test. Repellent is applied to a volunteer's forearm and tested for efficacy during mosquito exposure. Know more
- Accurate measurement of repellent efficacy and duration of protection.
- Comparison of different formulations.
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Abstract
The arm-in-cage method is a standard technique for testing the efficacy of mosquito repellents.
Mosquitoes, known for causing mild irritation through bites, are also vectors for diseases like malaria, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. Controlling these pests is essential to prevent such deadly diseases. Therefore, mosquito repellents play a vital role in preventing mosquito-borne disease, but their effectiveness must be rigorously tested to ensure adequate protection.
Topical repellents (such as lotions, cremes, and spray formulations) are eligible for this mosquito repellent test. Also, textiles impregnated with repellent formulations can be tested using this method.
At MIS, we perform the arm-in-cage test for mosquito repellent using the following mosquito strains: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species.
Arm-in-Cage Test Procedure (Conventional)
- The test is conducted using 200 host-seeking female mosquitoes, held in the test cage.
- The repellent formulation is applied to the volunteer’s forearm and exposed to mosquitoes every 30 minutes.
- This exercise is repeated for 8 hours after applying the repellent or until it becomes ineffective.
Criteria for Product Efficacy
Modified Arm-in-Cage Tests (Customized)
Key Advantages of Modified Arm-in-Cage Tests (Customized)
- The modified test method reduces the chance of cage contamination by the accumulation of residual test material (in the case of volatile repellents) during the exposure of treated forearms to mosquitos. The treated forearm is exposed to mosquito probing through a test window.
- The set-up has an air ventilation system which prevents the accumulation of odors and other materials. This enables mosquitos to show good biting behavior throughout the day.
- The modified cage is smaller and only requires 30 mosquitoes compared to the 200 mosquitoes used in the conventional test method.
Products tested
Similar to the conventional arm-in-cage method, a modified arm-in-cage test is used to determine the efficacy of topical repellents (cremes, lotions, and spray formulations) and impregnated textiles.
Modified Arm-in-Cage Test Procedure
- The test is conducted using 30 host-seeking female mosquitoes which are held in the test cage.
- Tropical repellent formulations are applied to the volunteer’s forearm and exposed to mosquitoes every 30 minutes.
- For Textiles, the fabric is wrapped on the forearm of 4 volunteers (2 males and 2 females).
- This exercise is repeated for 8 hours after applying the repellent or until it becomes ineffective.
Importance of Arm-in-cage Test
Benefits of Performing the Test
1. Accurate efficacy measurement
2. Duration of protection
3. Product comparison
4. Consumer confidence
5. Regulatory compliance
6. Scientific validation
Related test methods
The efficacy of mosquito repellents can also be tested using the following standard methods:
- Tunnel test
- Olfactometer test
- Room Test/Modified room test
- Chamber Test/Peet-Grady Chamber Test
- WHO cone test
Regulatory Requirements for Conducting an Arm-in-Cage Test
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Informed Consent
- Subjects must be fully informed about the test’s nature, purposes, and foreseeable health consequences.
EPA’s Human Subjects Rule
- Tests must adhere to EPA regulations for the protection of human subjects set out in 40 CFR part 26, subparts K, L, and M. These regulations apply to any research involving intentional exposure of human subjects that is intended for submission to the EPA under pesticide laws.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Standards
- Research must follow GLP standards
State Requirements
- Ensure compliance with relevant state laws and regulations
Documentation and Record-keeping:
- Maintain detailed records, including proposals, Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews, consent documents, progress reports, and deviations.
Ethical Considerations:
- Minimize risks to subjects, ensure equitable selection, and properly document informed consent.
- Justify research ethically, consider alternatives, and include risk minimization strategies in the protocol.
Are you in the process of developing or optimizing mosquito-repellent products? Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS) offers Arm-in-Cage testing to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of mosquito repellents. Our state-of-the-art lab is equipped to conduct comprehensive efficacy and safety tests, ensuring precise and reliable results. Trust MIS to support your product development with our comprehensive testing services.
For more information on the Arm-in-Cage test, please feel free to contact our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
The Arm-in-Cage test is a standard test method used to evaluate the efficacy of mosquito repellents under laboratory conditions. international hygiene requirements, which boosts customer confidence and aids in regulatory compliance.
This test is applicable for topical mosquito repellents (cream, lotions, and spray formulations) and impregnated textiles.
This mosquito-repellent Arm-in-Cage test takes 3-4 weeks to complete.
The effectiveness is tested by applying the repellent to a volunteer’s forearm and exposing it to mosquitoes in a cage. The test measures the time until the first bite or landing, known as complete protection time (CPT).
Mosquito repellents work by masking human odors or emitting substances that mosquitoes find unpleasant, thus preventing them from landing and biting.
Mosquitoes are selected based on the species relevant to the geographic area and the target market. Species like Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex are typically used.
Yes, the results from these tests can be used for regulatory approval, provided that standard guidelines from organizations like the WHO or EPA are followed during testing.
The repellent should be spread evenly on the volunteer’s forearm. The amount and application method should follow the specified guidelines in the test protocol and manufacturer’s instructions.
Yes, this test can evaluate long-term effectiveness by monitoring the protection time (the duration from application until the time when repellent becomes ineffective).
Generally, five to ten volunteers are involved in arm-in-cage tests for product registration, while initial product development might use fewer participants.
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