OECD 212: Fish, Short-term Toxicity Test on Embryo and Sac-Fry Stages

OECD 212 is a short term toxicity test performed on Fish Embryo and Sac-fry Stages.

In the OECD 212 standard test, different life stages from the newly fertilized egg to the end of the sac-fry stage are exposed to the test substance at normally 5 different concretions. OECD 212 is intended to define lethal, and to a limited extent, sublethal effects of chemicals on the specific stages and species tested.

The OECD 212 test preferably starts within 30 minutes after the eggs have been fertilized. Before or shortly after the commencement of the blastodisc cleavage stage, embryos are immersed into the test solution and testing should be terminated just before the yolk sac of any larvae has been completely absorbed and before starvation mortalities in the controls begin. Reported Endpoints include survival, hatching, abnormal appearance, behavior and days until hatching.

OECD 212 does not replace Guideline 210, but can provide useful information that could:

  • form a bridge between lethal and sublethal tests
  • be used as a screening test for either a Full Early Life Stage test (OECD 210*) or for chronic toxicity

It is  important to have data on the test substance’s water solubility (OECD 105)* and the vapour pressure.  It can also be beneficial to have data on the different performance and physical and chemical properties of the material including structural formula, purity of the substance, stability in water and light, the Partition Coefficient (OECD 117)*, Dissociation Constants in water (OECD 112)*, and results of a test for ready biodegradability.

Many toxicology tests are used to meet regulatory requirements for different product applications; for any testing performed to meet regulatory or third party labeling requirements, it is strongly recommended to review requirements prior to testing with the appropriate agency to determine which tests should be performed for label claims or regulatory acceptance.

Depending on the selected species for testing, lead time for OECD 212 can vary.  Please inform the lab of any time restrictions prior to project initiation.

* OECD 105: Water Solubility

*OECD 112: Dissociation Constants in Water

*OECD 117: Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water), HPLC Method

*OECD 210: Fish; Early Life Stage Toxicity Test

For more information on Toxicology Testing, contact our Environmental Testing laboratory at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.