The word "Formalin Test" is spelled as /fɔːrməlɪn tɛst/. The first syllable is pronounced with the "o" sound as in "four", followed by the "r" sound and the short "a" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with the "i" sound as in "sit" and the "n" sound. The word "test" is pronounced with the "e" sound as in "met". The word refers to a medical test used to detect tuberculosis, which involves spraying a mist of formalin solution in the air and observing the reaction of the patient's eyes.
The formalin test is a laboratory method used to assess the pain response or nociception in animals. It involves the injection or application of formalin, a colorless and pungent solution of formaldehyde in water, into a specific area of an animal's body, typically the paw or tail. The formalin test is primarily conducted on rodents, such as mice or rats.
The purpose of the formalin test is to measure the animal's response to pain and to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesic drugs. After the injection of formalin, the animal's behavior is observed and recorded over a specific period of time. The response generally involves two phases: an initial acute phase followed by a prolonged or tonic phase. The acute phase is characterized by paw flinching, licking, or shaking, while the tonic phase is associated with a longer-lasting inflammatory response.
Researchers use the formalin test to gain insights into the neurobiology of pain, analgesic mechanisms, and the efficacy of potential pain-relieving substances. By quantifying the animal's reaction to formalin, scientists can determine the intensity and duration of pain, which aids in evaluating the effectiveness of different analgesic compounds. The formalin test is considered a valuable tool in preclinical pain research, helping to guide the development of pain medications and therapies for human use.
The term "Formalin Test" is derived from the word "formalin" and the word "test".
The word "formalin" refers to a solution of formaldehyde in water that is used as a disinfectant or preservative. Formaldehyde, in turn, is a chemical compound commonly used in industrial applications and as a tissue preservative.
The word "test" refers to a procedure or examination that is conducted to determine the presence, quality, or nature of something.
Therefore, the term "Formalin Test" is used to describe a medical or laboratory procedure that involves the use of formalin, typically for the purpose of preserving or analyzing biological samples.