---
type: "LegalText"
title: "42 U.S.C. § 285l–2"
description: "Definitions"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 42
title_name: "THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE"
chapter_number: "6A"
chapter_name: "PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE"
section: "285l–2"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 285l–2"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc42@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t42/s285l–2"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-42/usc42.xml"
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text_hash: "b1b17461cf021754a122dd04151b6adccf1fddd260d626d02ec3f546761d3eab"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---

# 42 U.S.C. § 285l–2 - Definitions

## Text

In sections 285l–2 to 285l–5 of this title:

(1) Alternative test method The term “alternative test method” means a test method that—

(A) includes any new or revised test method; and

(B) (i) reduces the number of animals required;

(ii) refines procedures to lessen or eliminate pain or distress to animals, or enhances animal well-being; or

(iii) replaces animals with non-animal systems or one animal species with a phylogenetically lower animal species, such as replacing a mammal with an invertebrate.

(2) ICCVAM test recommendation The term “ICCVAM test recommendation” means a summary report prepared by the ICCVAM characterizing the results of a scientific expert peer review of a test method.

(Pub. L. 106–545, § 2, Dec. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 2721.)

## Notes

Editorial Notes

Codification Section was enacted as part of the ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.