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The ERGATT/FRAME/ECVAM
Data Bank of In Vitro Techniques in Toxicology
INVITTOX PROTOCOLS
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 the 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 which 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. N.b.. An
information donor is always s 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 the development of a method are credited in
the bibliographic reference within each protocol. We invite a11 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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