In vitro testing offers several advantages in the field of epidemiology. Firstly, it provides a controlled environment where variables can be precisely managed, allowing for detailed mechanistic studies. This level of control is difficult to achieve in vivo or in human populations due to ethical and practical constraints. Secondly, in vitro tests are generally quicker and less costly compared to in vivo studies. They also allow for high-throughput screening of multiple compounds or conditions, facilitating rapid progress in research. Furthermore, in vitro testing can reduce the need for animal studies, aligning with the principles of the 3Rs (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement) in animal research ethics.
