Categorical Data Analysis Using The SAS® System, 2nd Edition

11.1. Introduction

Bioassay is the process of determining the potency or strength of a reagent or stimuli based on the response it elicits in biological organisms. Often, the reagent is a new drug and the subjects are experimental animals. Other possible stimuli include radiation and environmental exposures, and other possible subjects include humans and bacteria. Researchers are interested in the tolerance of the subjects to the stimulus or drug, where tolerance is defined as the amount of the stimulus required to produce a response. They are also interested in the relative potency of a new drug to a standard drug. In a direct assay, you steadily increase the doses until you generate the desired reaction. In an indirect assay, you observe the ...