Abstract
An in vitro ocular irritation test, the corneal epithelial plasminogen activator (CEPA) test, is proposed as an alternative to the in vivo Draize eye irritan-cy test. The scientific rationale and basis, the test protocol, and the score system of this test are described. The results of two correlation studies in which 15 chemicals and products were evaluated are summarized. The advantages, disadvantages, and areas for refinement of the CEPA test are discussed.