During the meeting we met many of our Japanese Comet Assay IV users, the majority of whom are active participants of the Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM) comet assay initiative. The main objective of this initiative is to co-ordinate international validation studies of the comet assay with the ultimate goal being to establish an OECD guideline for the in vivo and in vitro comet assay.
To highlight existing studies implemented under the JaCVAM initiative, two posters were displayed at the meeting entitled: "Comet Assay Atlas" [1] and "In Vivo Comet Assay: Update on Ongoing International Validation Study Coordinated by JaCVAM (2nd Report)."[2]
The "Comet Assay Atlas" has been developed as a guide to help standardize the selection and identification of comets for image analysis. Criteria for comet selection have been outlined in the Atlas to enable users to distinguish between scorable and non-scorable comets. For example, those which appear to have morphological defects, such as those with atypical nuclei, diffusion or those identified as "hedgehogs", should not be scored. The second poster, "In Vivo Comet Assay: Update on Ongoing International Validation Study Coordinated by JaCVAM (2nd Report)", reports on the progress of the in vivo alkaline comet assay validation. The 1st step of the 4th phase was successfully completed in 2009, producing promising results. The next step is expected to be completed in March 2011. Clearly, substantial progress is being made towards the establishment of the comet assay as a regulatory test for genotoxicity.
[1] Comet Assay Atlas
J. Tanaka et al, P-053. JEMS: November 16-17, 2010, 119.
[2] In Vivo Comet Assay: Update on Ongoing International Validation Study Coordinated by JaCVAM (2nd Report) Y. Uno et al, P-052. JEMS: November 16-17, 2010, 118
About Perceptive Instruments
Perceptive Instruments Ltd. (http://www.perceptive.co.uk) develops, manufactures and supplies image analysis and data processing solutions for many areas of scientific research and industry. Our products are used primarily in the pharmaceutical & health care industries, as well as environmental monitoring, food and manufacturing industries. We have established an enviable reputation based upon our willingness and ability to completely satisfy our clients’ needs. We provide standard 'off the shelf' systems and customised solutions based on current or novel technologies. Examples of special solutions include systems for antibiotic testing, vaccine development and robot vision.
Our Products Comet Assay IV Comet Assay IV (http://www.perceptive.co.uk/cometassay/) is an interactive live video-based system for scoring cells subjected to the single cell gel electrophoresis technique (comet assay). The system is the very latest in a highly successful series of comet assay scoring systems from Perceptive Instruments that have evolved and developed since the release of our first system in 1992.
Sorcerer Colony Counter Sorcerer Colony Counter (http://www.perceptive.co.uk/colony-counter/) provides instant, accurate plate counting for microbial and mammalian colonies. It is ideal for laboratories engaged in drug development and production, food and milk testing, environmental monitoring and public health.
Ames Study Manager The Ames Study Manager (http://www.perceptive.co.uk/amesstudymanager/)is a study management and reporting system for Ames testing. Together with the Sorcerer automatic colony counter it provides a complete solution for regulatory and non-regulatory safety assessment.
SpeckCheck 2 SpeckCheck 2 (http://www.perceptive.co.uk/speckcheck2/) is the advanced scanner based system for automatic detection and analysis of dirt and other contaminants in pulp and paper.
Contact Us Web: http://www.perceptive.co.uk Email: sales@perceptive.co.uk Tel: +44 1440 730773
