Several key techniques are used in toxicology to study and understand toxic effects:
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): This technique is widely used for the identification and quantification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. It combines the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): HPLC is employed to separate, identify, and quantify each component in a mixture. It is especially useful for compounds that do not vaporize easily and is widely used in the pharmaceutical and environmental fields.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This is a plate-based assay technique designed for detecting and quantifying proteins, antibodies, or hormones. It is a powerful tool for the detection of toxins and biomarkers in biological samples.
In Vitro Testing: These are tests conducted in a controlled environment outside a living organism. In vitro testing is pivotal for understanding the cellular response to toxic agents without the ethical concerns associated with in vivo testing.
In Vivo Testing: These tests are carried out on living organisms to assess the overall toxicological profile of substances. In vivo testing allows researchers to observe the comprehensive effects of a substance on a biological system.
