Screening for Neurotoxicity Using a Neurologically Based Examination and Neuropathology

Abstract

Testing chemicals for toxicity by screening methods is an integral part of providing high-quality products and processes. Screening tests must be sensitive, reproducible, readily performed by a trained staff, generally acceptable across laboratories, costeffective, timely, and predictive of significant hazards. The screening process begins with routine acute and subacute tests commonly in use in toxicology laboratories worldwide. When these tests indicate a neurotoxicologic effect or when structure-activity analysis suggests a concern, more specific tests, including a neurologically based functional observational battery (FOB) and neuropathology, are indicated. The FOB provides a highly structured framework for collection of clinical signs. When teamed together, the FOB and neuropathology examinations are complementary tests that provide a clinicopathologic description of a neurotoxicant that can be used for risk assessment.