Techniques in Toxicologic Pathology

Toxicologic pathology concerns the effect of potentially noxious products on the body. The question being asked about the product (test substance) usually involves its safety for humans or its efficacy as a medicament, but can also involve exposure to an environmental toxicant under “natural” conditions. The typical context for most toxicologic pathologists in the pharmaceutical and most academic research situations is intentionally controlled exposure of laboratory animals to xenobiotics as surrogates for humans. The animal phase of toxicological studies is very comprehensive in the pharmaceutical setting, and also often less so but nevertheless rigorous in the academic setting.