Quality improvement bioassay procedure in specialized laboratories

Background.In the methodology of bioassay, the issues of searching for target biotests, the number of evaluated test-functions of organisms, as well as maintaining the sensitivity of the test-culture in the range specified by the methodology remain problematic. The aim of the studywas to generalize scientific approaches that contribute to improving the quality of bioassay procedures and their results: choosing the most appropriate techniques, maintaining the quality of laboratory culture, implementing systemic bioassay using several endpoints of one organism. Research methods.During 2006-2024, research work was carried out in the laboratory of bioassay at Vyatka State University (Kirov, Russia), according to the results of which scientific approaches to improving the quality of bioassay procedures were further proposed. Results.The paper suggests three ways to improve the quality of bioassay procedures for specialized laboratories. The algorithm for selecting the bioassay method should be based on determining the sensitivity of the available methods of analysis. The approach works when the main pollutants (priority toxicants) are known. In addition, it is recommended to conduct regular in-laboratory quality control of the test culture, including an assessment of the sensitivity of organisms to a reference toxicant and a set of vital signs. For multicellular organisms, this is the average duration of life, the beginning of reproduction, the daily increase in mortality, etc.; for single-celled organisms, it is an increase in biomass or the number of cells. Then, in order to predict the environmental impact of pollution, it is recommended to estimate a few endpoints of exposure per standardized species. Conclusion.The implementation of the concept of "reasonable choice of methods + quality of test-culture + assessment of the spectrum of body reactions" will save labor and time resources, obtain reproducible results, which is especially important in conditions of long-term environmental monitoring.