Survey of genetic authenticity of commercially produced inbred rats

Strain specific typing antisera (SSTA) were used to genetically monitor six inbred strains of rats from major US commercial producers. SSTA were used in both the hemagglutination test and the microcytotoxicity assay because results from a preliminary study showed that use of both tests gave more reliable results than either test used individually. Of 25 colonies tested (representing all six strains), one colony of LEW rats appeared to be contaminated genetically.