Electrophysiological systems for neurotoxicity field testing: PEARL II and alternatives
PEARL II, a computerized battery of electrophysiological tests designed for neurotoxicity field testing, was developed a decade ago. The battery includes sensory evoked potentials (auditory, somatosensory, and visual), event-related slow brain potentials (CNV, P300), and associated behavioral measures. Field-testing capabilities have been demonstrated in pediatric lead studies. Several dozen PEARL II systems are currently being used in fixed-base laboratories. Factors which limit the use of PEARL II in neurotoxicity field testing include: operation and maintenance of the system requires a highly trained staff; PEARL II is a relatively expensive system; it is not commercially available or serviced; the hardware is obsolescent. Although sensory-evoked potential tests have proven to be very sensitive to chemical exposure in humans and animals, the effectiveness of such tests for neurotoxicity screening of exposed populations has not been demonstrated. Several commercial systems suitable for neurotoxicity field testing are reviewed briefly. Electrophysiological tests of visual toxicity currently under development are also described.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA). Health Effects Research Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 5511972
- Report Number(s):
- PB-89-223986/XAB; EPA-600/D-89/092
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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