Neogen Corporation has added to its comprehensive range of tests for the seafood industry with the introduction of a rapid test to detect the toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Neogen’s new Reveal® 2.0 for PSP detects PSP-causing toxins at a level of 800 parts per billion (ppb), and is compatible with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union Commission permitted levels. Reveal 2.0 for PSP is an easy-to-use, one-step rapid test that requires only a simple water extraction, and only 5 minutes after extraction to produce results.

The new shellfish toxin test can be used in the field or in a lab, and is designed for use by harvesters and processors to test mussels, scallops, oysters, clams and cockles. Used with Neogen’s innovative AccuScan® Pro lateral flow test reader, the system provides consistently accurate and reliable results — and is backed by Neogen’s experienced customer and technical support service.

“The addition of our test for PSP toxins means we now offer a complete range of tests for shellfish toxins, including tests for ASP and DSP toxins,” said Neogen Europe’s Steve Chambers. “Our new tests also represent a significant advancement in shellfish toxin testing technology. With our Reveal 2.0 for PSP test, we can provide accurate results in only 5 minutes after extraction — other tests for PSP can take up to 3 hours.”

Toxins that cause PSP can be produced by dinoflagellates of different genera, including Alexandrium and Gymnodinium; the most researched of these toxins is saxitoxin (STX). In addition to contamination of seafood, these marine biotoxins can result in human and marine wildlife mortality. The clinical toxicological effects attributed to PSPs can include: nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, respiratory distress and muscular paralysis.

Neogen’s new test for PSP adds to Neogen’s line of simple tests for shellfish toxins. The line also includes Reveal 2.0 for ASP, which detects amnesic shellfish poisoning-causing toxins at a level of 20 parts per million (ppm), and Reveal 2.0 for DSP, which detects diarrhetic shellfish poisoning-causing toxins at 160 parts per billion (ppb).