The Comet assay is a swift yet sensitive high-throughput technique used for detecting DNA damage caused by genotoxic effects of exposing cells to a test substance or condition
The Comet assay test detects DNA strand breaks and alkaline labile lesions on an individual cell-by-cell basis.
For many laboratories, it has become the tool of choice for time-sensitive screening assays because of its versatility, speed and simplicity.
With the technique rapidly gaining in popularity, many are calling for it to be included in the standard battery of regulatory tests for genetic toxicology.
In the early days of the assay, users would have assessed cell damage by eye, but today they can take advantage of powerful interactive software systems such as Comet Assay IV for instant accurate and repeatable results.
Comet Assay IV is the very latest in a highly successful series of systems that have been developed and evolved over the past twelve years by Perceptive Instruments.
The software brings benefits not only by giving significantly higher accuracy and repeatability of results when compared to manual scoring by eye, but is also significantly faster and allows for automatic collation of results.
Comet Assay IV can save data either to Microsoft Excel or to a secure, remote Oracle database.
For those required to comply with the principles of GLP, Comet Assay IV provides full audit trails, hierarchical permissions-based access and GLP reason prompts for any changes made.
When used in conjunction with the System Access Manager for user account management, the system is fully compliant with the FDA 21 CFR part 11 final rule on electronic records and electronic signatures.
