The interface of toxicology and tissue culture and reflections on the carnation test.

The convergence of an imperative for expanded testing of chemicals before they are released into the environment and the maturation of tissue culture as an important tool for biomedical research, has led to the development of in vitro methods for toxicological evaluation. Of the several facets of the interface -- screening, mechanisms, personnel monitoring, and risk assessment -- screening has the broadest interface. The success which has been achieved to date stems from a recognition of the limitations as well as the attributes of in vitro research, extensive validation of specific tests (especially for mutagenesis and carcinogenesis), and the use of test batteries rather than single tests.