In vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) tests, also know as physiologically-based extraction tests or PBETs, are laboratory tests used to estimate the bioavailability of metals (usually lead or arsenic). They use simulated stomach conditions to measure the amount of metal that may be leached from ingested soil or other materials. Soil may be elevated in metals, but if the metals are not bioavailable, then the soil may pose little risk to human health. IVBA-type tests are much quicker and less expensive than in vivo studies performed on animals.
PRIMA performs the following bioaccessibility tests:
- EPA 1340 (lead or arsenic)
- California Arsenic Bioaccessiblity (CAB)
- Avian bioaccessibility
- Inhalation bioaccessilibity
Tests are typically conducted on soil, but PRIMA has also conducted them on worms and plant material.
