44th report: WHO TRS N°848: 1993

Overview

The WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization met in Geneva from 12 to 19 October 1993. The meeting was opened on behalf of the Director-General by Dr F. S. Antezana, Assistant Director-General. Dr Antezana emphasized the importance of  WHO's biological standardization programme.

Reports the work of an expert committee commissioned to identify and establish international standards and reference reagents for biological substances. Held and distributed by WHO International Laboratories for Biological Standards, these reference materials are widely used by national control authorities and manufacturers to ensure worldwide uniformity when designating the potency, activity, or specificity of biologicals used in prophylaxis, therapy or diagnosis of disease. The committee also issues guidelines and detailed requirements for the manufacturing and quality control of selected biologicals.