With the foregoing in mind, we consider these extra-jurisdictional cases. ¶ 35 In Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill.2d 63, 262 Ill. Dec. 854, 767 N.E.2d 314 (2002), for example, the plaintiffs, who were parents of four children exposed to coal tar during the clean-up of a former coal gasification plant site, brought suit against Central Illinois Public Service Co. ("CIPS") and three of its contractors. According to the parents, their children developed neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the peripheral nervous system, as a result of various acts or omissions committed by CIPS and/or its contractors during the clean-up.

In Illinois, "the exclusive test for the admission of expert testimony is governed by the standard first expressed in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923)." Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 76-77, 767 N.E.2d 314 (2002). This standard, also referred to as the "general acceptance" test, indicates that scientific evidence is admissible "if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is `sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.'"

¶ 65 "Illinois law is unequivocal: the exclusive test for the admission of expert testimony is governed by the standard first expressed in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923)." Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 76-77 (2002), overruled on othergrounds by In re Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill. 2d 523, 530-32 (2004) (adopting a dual standard of review for Frye rulings). The Frye standard, also known as the "general acceptance" test, "dictates that scientific evidence is only admissible at trial if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is 'sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.' "

“General acceptance” of a methodology does not mean “universal acceptance,” and “it does not require that the methodology * * * be accepted by unanimity, consensus, or even a majority of experts.” Simons, 213 Ill.2d at 530, 290 Ill.Dec. 610, 821 N.E.2d 1184;Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill.2d 63, 76–77, 262 Ill.Dec. 854, 767 N.E.2d 314 (2002), abrogated on other grounds by Simons, 213 Ill.2d at 530, 290 Ill.Dec. 610, 821 N.E.2d 1184. Under Frye, we inquire as to the general acceptance of a methodology, not the particular conclusion reached by an examiner or the application of the methodology in a particular case.

In Illinois, the admission of expert testimony is governed by the standard first expressed in Frye. Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 76-77 (2002), overruled on other grounds, In re Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill. 2d 523 (2004). Commonly called the "general acceptance" test, the Frye standard dictates that scientific evidence is admissible at trial only if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is "sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs."

In Illinois, the admission of expert testimony is governed by the standard first expressed in Frye. Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 76-77 (2002), overruled on other grounds. In re Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill. 2d 523 (2004).

In Illinois, the admission of expert testimony is governed by the standard first expressed in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923). Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 76-77 (2002). Commonly called the "general acceptance" test, the Frye standard dictates that scientific evidence is admissible at trial only if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is "sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs."

Accordingly, in an action under the FELA in Illinois, the Frye test is the standard exclusively used to determine the admission of expert testimony. Id. at 854-55; see Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill.2d 63, 76-77 (2002), abrogated in part on other grounds by, In re Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill.2d 523 (2004); In re Detention of New, 2014 IL 116306, ¶ 25. "The Frye standard, commonly called the 'general acceptance' test, dictates that scientific evidence is only admissible at trial if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is 'sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.'" Donaldson, 199 Ill.2d at 77 (quoting Frye, 293 F. at 1014).

Accordingly, in an action under the FELA in Illinois, the Frye test is the standard exclusively used to determine the admission of expert testimony. Id. at 854-55; see Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill.2d 63, 76-77 (2002), abrogated in part on other grounds by In re Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill.2d 523 (2004); In re Detention of New, 2014 IL 116306, ¶ 25. "The Frye standard, commonly called the 'general acceptance' test, dictates that scientific evidence is only admissible at trial if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is 'sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.'"

Additionally, in determining whether an expert is qualified to render an opinion based on novel scientific evidence, Illinois courts follow the test set forth in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923). See Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 81-82 (2002). The Frye standard, commonly known as the "general acceptance" test, provides that scientific evidence is admissible at trial only if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is "`sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.'"