Testing using dry venom mixed with 0.1% bovine serum albumin in saline, gives more consistent results than just saline alone. Intravenous injections are extremely rare in actual bites. Only large Bitis or extremely large Bothrops or Crotalus specimens would be able to deliver a bite that is truly intramuscular. Subcutaneous is the most applicable to actual bites. The most commonly tested methods are subcutaneous and intravenous injections of mice. Intraperitoneal: Venom is injected into the abdominal cavity. Intramuscular: Venom is injected into a muscle. Intravenous: Venom is injected directly into a vein. Subcutaneous: Venom is injected into the fatty layer beneath the skin. There are four methods in which the LD 50 test is measured: A lower LD 50 is indicative of increased toxicity. The median lethal dose (LD 50) of a venom is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested population after a specified test duration. While several species of snakes may cause more bodily destruction than others, any of these venomous snakes are still very capable of causing human fatalities should a bite go untreated, regardless of their venom capabilities or behavioral tendencies. In South Asia, it has historically been believed that Indian cobras, common kraits, Russell's viper and carpet vipers were the most dangerous species however other snakes may also cause significant problems in this area of the world. In the Middle East the species of greatest concern are carpet vipers and elapids in Central and South America, Bothrops (including the terciopelo or fer-de-lance) and Crotalus ( rattlesnakes) are of greatest concern. In Africa, the most dangerous species include black mambas, puff adders, and carpet vipers. The varieties of snakes that most often cause serious snakebites depend on the region of the world. This is an overview of the snakes that pose a significant health risk to humans, through snakebites or other physical trauma. Of the 3,500 snake species, there are around 600 venomous snake species in the world.

Black mamba vs inland taipan