Sub-chronic Studies (Early Life-stage)

The early life-stage study exposes fertilized fish embryos through hatch, swim up and for 4 to 8 weeks as juveniles, which includes key survival and growth endpoints. Typically, early fish life-stages are considered the most sensitive. Based on research conducted at Springborn Smithers and by others, this study design can accurately predict the effects from fish full life-cycle studies for approximately 80% of the chemicals tested. Springborn Smithers began conducting these studies in 1969 and is considered one of the premier testing facilities in the world performing this type of work. Presently, the most commonly tested species include the freshwater species fathead minnow and rainbow trout, and the marine species sheepshead minnow. SSL has considerable experience testing other species in early life-stage studies and possesses both the experience and the resources to design custom studies to meet the needs of clients requiring specialized testing.