Guide to short-term tests for detecting mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals

Abstract

A fully referenced document offering guidance in the field of short-term testing for mutagens and genotoxic carcinogens. In view of the acknowledged limitations in the capacity of short-term tests t screen for mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, the report attempts to explain the types of test that are commonly employed and the meaning that the results of such tests may have in the assessment of possible human hazards. The most extensive section contains descriptions, in phylogenetic order, of the most commonly used and most widely accepted assays. Emphasis is placed on the specific minimum scientific and technical criteria regarded as critical factors in obtaining data of acceptable quality and reliability. The next section discusses additional criteria that relate to good laboratory practice in genetic toxicology and to the type and quality of laboratory facilities. The report concludes with guidelines for the selection, application, and interpretation of short-term tests