Paralytic Shellfish Method

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), including saxitoxin and its many analogues, are produced by marine dinoflagellates such as Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, and Pyrodinium, as well as by several genera of freshwater cyanobacteria. Paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans and animals results from the consumption of naturally contaminated seafood, particularly bivalve mollusks.

A worldwide increase in toxic algal blooms has led to higher toxin levels and expanded geographic impact, driving greater demand for PST testing. Regulatory limits are established globally, with most countries setting a maximum level of 80 µg saxitoxin equivalents per 100 g of shellfish. In addition to total toxicity, many regulatory frameworks now require quantification of individual PST analogues, and the list of monitored toxins continues to expand.

AOAC Official Method 2011.02 is an HPLC method that employs post-column oxidation (PCOX) of PSTs under acidic conditions. Two different columns and gradient programs are used to separately analyze GTX/STX toxins and C-toxins. Following derivatization, analytes are detected with high sensitivity using fluorescence detection, enabling accurate identification and quantification of individual toxins.

Pickering Laboratories offers post-column derivatization systems, reagents, and eluants manufactured in accordance with AOAC 2011.02. For more information on equipment and consumables, please contact support@pickeringlabs.com