The in vivo micronucleus test in human capillary blood lymphocytes: methodological studies and effect of ageing.

The in vivo micronucleus test in lymphocytes of human capillary blood collected by skin puncture is described. This method needs only 1-2 drops of finger blood. The normal value of micronucleus frequencies in lymphocytes from 250 healthy persons aged 6-88 years was determined. The upper limits of normal values were estimated by means of percentile. The 95th percentiles were 1/1000 and 1.5/1000 for the 6-45-year age group and the 46-88-year age group, respectively. There was no significant difference in micronucleus frequency between men and women. On the basis of micronucleus assays in more than 3000 cases, we consider that the micronucleus test in human capillary blood lymphocytes is a rapid, convenient and sensitive procedure for monitoring a human population exposed to environmental and occupational mutagens and carcinogens.