Prepared in co-operation with ERGATT (European Research Group for Alternatives in Toxicity Testing), FRAME (Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (Nottingham UK) and ECVAM (Europena Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JRC Ispra Italy) by the Medical University of Warsaw.
The aim of INVITTOX protocols is to present precise and up-to-date technical information of the performance of the in vitro techniques currently in use and under development, their applications, advantages, and drawbacks. The information is obtained directly from those scientists already employing such methods. Each protocol includes a detailed methodology sufficient to enable another researcher to carry out a procedure; experimental data, where available; the rationale for choice of technique and endpoint; and critical assessment comments about the accuracy of the system, its sensitivity, ease of implementation, shortcomings, etc. It is envisaged that making all this information available in one document will help scientists to select the systems most appropriate to their needs. Where possible, named contacts are given, to facilitate communication with a scientist experienced in use of the test system or method described. The protocols are produced by INVITTOX staff from pre-prints, reprints, and/or SOPs sent by scientists willing to act as information donors. All relevant information is included in a first draft of the protocol that is sent to the donor together with a list of questions relating to any discrepancies that have been noted and requests for more detailed information on aspects of the procedure. The donor is also asked to comment on and add to our assessment of the reason for choosing the method, how it compares with other techniques, its advantages, disadvantages, and any specialized skill or equipment requirements. All answers and comments are incorporated into a further draft, and the process continues until both sides are satisfied with the document.
Note: An information donor is always someone using or developing the method, but is not necessarily its originator. Some donors choose not to appear as the contact name on the protocol. Where a contact name other than INVITTOX appears, this will be the person who gave us the information. Originators and others who contributed to development of a method are credited in the bibliographic reference within each protocol. We invite all who use this service to consider the possibility of collaborating with us in the production of further protocols. All protocols are available free of charge, on request, from INVITTOX.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-6212
FAX: (301) 504-7125
E-mail: awic@nal.usda.gov
