E-Z screen

The antibiotic identification capabilities of FSIS laboratories have rapidly expanded during the past year. Commercially-produced ELISA-type immunoassays, such as the E-Z Screen, are being rapidly adapted by FSIS laboratories for use in testing meat extracts and body fluids for various antibiotics. 

The test kits studied were Aflatest, Agri-Screen, E-Z Screen, and Oxoid. 

E-Z Screen. Manufactured with a proposed use for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 at 10 ppb, was found to be effective for B1 and G1 in spiked corn at the 10 ppb level. Sample preparation was as prescribed by the kit manufacturer except the sample was shaken for one hour, instead of blending for one minute. A 50 g sample was shaken for one hour with 100 ml 80% methanol and allowed to settle. Then a 100 uL of extract was diluted with 200 uL buffer and 50 uL of this mixture was applied to the sample port of the EZ card. Aflatoxin B2 was detected at the 15 ppb level and G2 at the 20 ppb level. This card test was less sensitive for mixed feeds which contain more pigments- Due to the lack of demand, the manufacturer has stopped producing cards sentitive at the 10 ppb level, but control cards at the 20 ppb are available. In one study 22 samples were tested along with standards and formulated product. No false negatives were encountered and only one false positive. No false positives were encountered on 40 samples tested in another laboratory. Recently cards sensitive to 5 ppb were introduced. Preliminary research indicates the cards will perform to specifications. As the presently used HPIC procedure processes 6 samples in a 2-day period and 99% of the samples were negative, the aflatoxin E-Z Screen could provide the necessary screening capability. 

E-Z Screen Aflatoxin and Sulfamethazine Quick Card Tests Environmental Diagnostic Inc., PO Box 908,2990 Anthony Road, Burlington, North Carolina, USA 27215... 

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