Toxicity validation criteria

The most commonly used species of freshwater algae are Raphidocelis subcapitata (former Selenastrum capricornutum), Desmodesmus armatus (former Scenedesmus subspicatus) and Chlorella sp., and the marine algae Skeletonema costatum and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. They are well known for their physiological properties and sensitivity to a couple of toxic elements and organic substances. Their optimal growth conditions are known as well as their reproduction rate, which is a validity criterion for the standardised tests. 

Consequently, the method of choice by a given laboratory will depend on individual preferences and their particular specifications. In most cases analysts choose the method that shows reproducible results at the detection limits requested in their own lab and/or those at which they have been validated successfully by official bodies. The current market offers different ELISA kits for the detection of gliadin, which use different antibodies. It is not easy to decide which test kit is the most accurate. In commercial test kits it is important that the specificity and other characteristics of the antibody are reported by manufacturers. One criterion is whether the antibody detects all of the relevant toxic gluten proteins from different cereal species causing celiac disease. 

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