New diagnostic technology: applications in animal health and biologics controls

Technological advances have resulted in the development of several new biochemistry-based test procedures such as DNA micro-arrays, rapid sequencing and multiple applications of polymerase chain reaction. The limitations of such tests and the problems of standardization and validation related to their use for the detection of agents and toxins, diagnosis of human and animal diseases, and quality control of human and veterinary biological products must be considered. Practical examples of the use of these new technologies, but also the difficulties, limits and uncertainties encountered in their application need to be shared. This volume presents the proceedings of a conference in Saint-Malo, France, held to facilitate discussion between government authorities, industry, scientists and other users of these new techniques. Information on the principles of these novel methods, the need for standardization and validation, applications in diagnosis and surveillance, certainties and uncertainties in agent or toxin identification as well as examples of quality control of human and veterinary biological products were addressed. Conclusions and recommendations concerning the development and standardization of these new technologies were developed by the participants and are published in these proceedings. Professionals involved in biological standardization, diagnosis, and human and animal health programs should find this to be a very valuable book.