1984 survey of genetic toxicology testing in industry, government and academic laboratories

Compiled results of the 1984 Genetic Toxicology Association's survey representing a total of 72 responses from governmental, contract, industrial, or academic institutions regarding the status of 32 recognized genetic toxicology assays, were as follows: Most frequently performed on a routine or occasional basis: Ames (76% of all respondents routinely or occasionally perform the assay); in vitro cytogenetics (59%); in vivo Bone Marrow Cytogenetics (56%); in vitro Sister Chromatid Exchange (56%); in vitro Unscheduled DNA Synthesis (43%); Mutation in CHO HGPRT (42%); Micronucleus test (41%); Mutation in L5178Y (36%). Assay associated with in vivo and in vitro chromosomal end points (aberrations, SCE, micronucleus) constituted the major area of increased use since the 1982 survey. Assays of developmental interest included DNAS binding both in vitro and in vivo and UDS in vivo. Quantitative analysis of the data indicated: Industrial and contract laboratories processed the largest volumes of chemicals over the broadest spectrum of assays. Industrial laboratories showed a marked increased since 1982 in testing compounds in-house. The number of assays sponsored by governmental laboratories, both in-house or subcontracted, increased from 1982. Academic institutions ranked lowest in number of compounds examined.