The Comet Assay and Occupational Exposure -- Perceptive Instruments Ltd.

March 30, 2011 - PRLog -- The Comet assay is being used with increasing popularity in biomonitoring studies to determine the level of DNA damage in workers exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and radiation. The assay is an ideal biomarker for such investigations due to its sensitivity and reliability in detecting DNA damage and repair.

A large number of research groups are utilising our Comet Assay scoring systems (http://www.scorecomets.com) to determine the risks to health caused by occupational exposure to chemicals and here we highlight some recently published findings.

• Increased DNA damage was found in petrochemical industry operators and service station attendants & maintenance engineers exposed to low levels of benzene [1].
• Anaesthesia personnel showed increased DNA damage induced by occupational exposure to waste anaesthetic gases [2].
• An increase in mutagenic (& immunotoxic) effects was found in workers employed in the lead industry by the T-cell receptor mutation assay but not by the comet assay [3].
• Increased DNA damage in medical personnel handling drugs used in the treatment of cancer could be reduced by wearing protective gloves and mask. [4].

Research scientists rely on Comet Assay IV (http://www.scorecomets.com) for reliable, reproducible and accurate measurements. You can find out more about Comet Assay IV on our dedicated comet assay website (http://www.scorecomets.com).

[1] Low air levels of benzene: correlation between biomarkers of exposure and genotoxic effects. (2010) M.E. Fracasso et al. Toxicology Letters 192(1):S82.
[2] DNA damage, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity in anesthesia nurses. (2010) S.Izdes et al. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health 65(4):211-217.
[3] Biomonitoring of a population of Portuguese workers exposed to lead. (2011) J. Garcia-Leston et al Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 721(1):81-88.
[4] Assessment of primary, oxidative and excision repaired DNA damage in hospital personnel handling antineoplastic drugs. (2011) M.Villarini et al Mutagenesis (Advanced access)

To view these papers and many more please visit our Recent Papers page (http://www.scorecomets.com/assay/#papers).

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

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World-leading developers of image analysis and data processing solutions for the comet assay, Ames test, automatic colony counting and many other areas of scientific research and industry.

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