THE ROLE OF SPECIMEN BANKING IN RISK ASSESSMENT

The risk assessment process is described with a focus on the hazard id entification and dose-response components. Many of the scientific ques tions and uncertainties associated with these components are discussed , and the role for biomarkers and specimen banking in supporting these activities are assessed. Under hazard identification, the use of biom arkers in defining and predicting al biologically adverse events; b) t he progression of those events towards disease; and c) the potential f or reversibility are explored. Biomarker applications to address high- to-low dose extrapolation and interindividual variability are covered under dose-response assessment. Several potential applications for spe cimen banking are proposed.