The application of single cell gel electrophoresis or comet assay to humanmonitoring studies

Objective. In the search of new human genotoxic biomarkers, the single cell gel electrophoresis assay has been proposed as a sensible alternative. Mat erial and methods. This technique detects principally single strand breaks as well as alkali-labile and repair-retarded sites. Results. Herein we pres ent our experience using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay in human population studies, both occupationally and environmentally exposed. Concl usions. We discuss the assay feasibility as a genotoxic biomarker.