Comparison of four rapid test kits for the detection of okadaic acid-group toxins in bivalve shellfish from Argentina

Analysis of bivalve molluscs for Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning is challenging for producers of shellfish who are unlikely to have access to LC-MS/MS technology for toxin testing. Four commercial rapid testing kits were applied to the analysis of Argentinean shellfish for DSP toxins, comparing results against the regulatory LC-MS/MS method. On the whole the specificity of the methods was good, with no false positive results produced in relation to the maximum permitted limits of DSP toxins. Two lateral flow assays provided an excellent qualitative assessment of DSP-positive samples whilst the quantitative PP2A and ELISA methods showed good evidence for consumer protection from the quantitative results generated. Results from lateral flow devices were further assessed through use of automated scanning devices, significantly improving the repeatability of data analysis and enabling semi-quantitation of test results. Whilst key differences exist between assays, from these results all four would be suitable for end product testing of shellfish in Argentina for DSP. The choice of method is therefore most likely to relate to the practicalities and applicability associated with each assay. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.