Good Laboratory Practice and Study Management for the Validation of In Vitro Toxicity Studies

The principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are designed to help ensure the proper management and conduct of studies. GLP compliance demonstrates to regulatory authorities that studies were undertaken in a manner which promotes confidence in the data and reporting. Formal validation of in vitro toxicity studies is being recommended as an inter-laboratory activity. Study management of interlaboratory studies in compliance with GLP is discussed. This includes: a) a clearly defined management, with responsibility for the GLP compliance of participating laboratories; b) one Study Director, who represents the single point of study control and who overviews study procedures and data, to ensure that procedures laid down in the protocol are being followed; and c) Principal Investigators, who may be appointed at some, or all, of the participating laboratories to facilitate supervision and communications with the Study Director.