The Micronucleus Test for Occupational Safety

Although less commonly used than internal dose indicators, biological effect indicators can be valuable for Risk Assessment. Among the numerous biomarkers used to date, those that indicate DNA damage could be especially useful for occupational safety, as they predict the risk of carcinogenesis. The most common among these assays is the micronucleus test. Unfortunately, this test cannot be performed on human erythrocytes; to apply it to lymphocytes, it requires invasive blood sampling, limiting its use to scientific research. We have developed a new method that enables the micronucleus test to be conducted in a rapid, non-invasive, and cost-effective manner. The test is performed on immature erythrocytes (reticulocytes) in human blood smears collected via a finger prick and stained with Acridine Orange. This new protocol allows the micronucleus test to be applied to human blood samples in a manner compatible with occupational safety procedures.