Statistical Evaluation of Mutagenicity Test Data

This rigorous and practical account of the interpretation of mutagenicity test data draws upon the expertise of toxicologists and statisticians. Chemicals, such as drugs, food additives and pesticides, all need careful screening to eliminate potentially mutagenic compounds. Although guidelines exist on the performance of these tests, advice on data evaluation is scarce; this volume provides the statistical background necessary for toxicologists to understand, design and interpret mutagenicity tests. In addition to the nine chapters dealing with the different tests employed, there is an introductory chapter on some of the statistical principles involved, a glossary of useful terms and an appendix providing vital information on the availability of computer software. A large team of contributors and editors working under the auspices of the United Kingdom Environmental Mutagen Society (UKEMS) have contributed a wealth of first-hand experience in compiling this immensely practical book of use to both research and industrial toxicologists.

Steering group; Contributors; Preface; List of abbreviations; 1. Statistics and genetic toxicology - setting the scene D. P. Lovell; 2. Analysis of data from microbial colony assays G. A. T. Mahon, M. H. L. Green, B. Middleton, I. de G. Mitchell, W. D. Robinson and D. J. Tweats (group leader); 3. Mammalian cell gene mutation assays based upon colony formation C. F. Arlett (group leader), D. M. Smith, G. M. Clarke, M. H. L. Green, J. Cole, D. B. McGregor and J. C. Asquith; 4. Statistical evaluation of bacterial/mammalian fluctuation tests W. D. Robinson, M. H. L. Green (group leader), J. Cole, M. J. R. Healy, R. C. Garner and D. Gatehouse; 5. Analysis of data from in vitro cytogenetic assays C. Richardson (group leader), D. A. Williams, J. A. Allen, G. Amphlett, D. O. Chanter and B. Phillips; 6. Statistical methods for sister chromatid exchange experiments D. Cooke, J. Allen, M. G. Clare, C. J. Doré and L. Henderson (group leader); 7. Statistical analysis of in vivo cytogenetic assays D. P. Lovell, D. Anderson (group leader), R. Albanese, G. E. Amphlett, G. Clare, R. Ferguson, M. Richold, D. G. Papworth and J. R. K. Savage; 8. Statistical methods for the dominant lethal assay D. O. Chanter, D. Anderson, A. Bateman, D. P. Lovell, A. K. Palmer, M. T. Stevens and M. Richold (group leader); 9. Statistical methods for the design and analysis of mutation experiments with the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster R. D. Combes (group leader), J. Bootman, M. G. Ford, J. Hepworth and D. W. Salt; Appendices; Index.

This rigorous and practical account of the interpretation of mutagenicity test data draws upon the expertise of toxicologists and statisticians. Chemicals, such as drugs, food additives and pesticides, all need careful screening to eliminate potentially mutagenic compounds.