SPR-based clenbuterol test is fully automated, robust and label free, which reduces the risk of experimental errors
Biacore has announced an enhancement to its rapid screening kit for clenbuterol.
Through its continuous product improvement programme, Biacore has now broadened the detection capabilities of the highly sensitive Qflex kit clenbuterol to cover at least 13 members of this potentially toxic ß-agonist drug group.
With this new sample procedure both of the important ß-agonists, clenbuterol and salbutamol, are detected.
To demonstrate the enhanced capabilities of this simple to use kit, that delivers results within 24 hours of testing, Biacore has released an application note (no 43) detailing a rapid protocol for the detection of multi-ß-agonist residues in livestock liver samples using Biacore's SPR technology and the Qflex kit clenbuterol.
ß-agonist drugs (eg, clenbuterol, salbutamol) are very effective growth promoters when fed to farm animals at high doses.
Although the economic benefits of this practise can be substantial, it can give rise to the presence of toxic residues in meat.
Several cases of acute food poisoning resulting from the ingestion of contaminated meat containing the á-agonist clenbuterol have been reported throughout Europe.
As a result this drug group is banned from use in livestock production. "By broadening the specificity of our clenbuterol test kit, we have been able to improve both the efficiency and value for money of this highly precise kit used for routine detection in meat products," said Esa Stenberg, vice president and head of food business unit at Biacore.
"This is just one example of the continuous product enhancement programme operating within our extensive research and development facilities and in conjunction with our customers." Providing what is described as an unrivalled alternative to traditional detection methods, the SPR-based clenbuterol test is fully automated, robust and label free, which reduces the risk of experimental errors.
Sample preparation is minimal.
Qflex kits also provide the flexibility essential for further method development if required.
Further members of the Qflex drug residues portfolio include, chloramphenicol, ractopamine, streptomycin, sulphamethazine and sulphadiazine.
