What does IUO stand for in reagent selection context?

The abbreviation IUO stands for "Investigational Use Only." This designation indicates that a reagent or diagnostic test is still in the research or development phase and has not yet received full regulatory approval for general clinical use. Such reagents are often utilized in studies or experimental settings to assess their efficacy, safety, or other characteristics. Their use is typically restricted to specific research scenarios where data is being gathered to support further validation and eventual approval.

In the context of molecular diagnostics, understanding this designation is crucial, as it informs laboratory personnel that particular procedures or substances are not yet fully validated and should be used with caution. This is especially important for ensuring patient safety and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The other options—Internal Use Only, Innovative Use Only, and Informed Use Only—do not accurately represent the meaning of IUO and may imply uses that aren't limited to research contexts.