Immunoassay of pesticides

Determination of the presence and levels of pesticide residues in food is fundamental in monitoring and regulatory programs. Residues are separated from the food matrix by solvent extraction, followed by cleanup steps. The residues are most often identified and quantitated by instrumental analysis, usually liquid or gas chromatography. Extraction and cleanup are often laborious and time-consuming; determination requires expensive, sophisticated instrumentation. There is a need for rapid, easily performed tests, such as immunoassays, that could be used for screening under field conditions or for quantitation of residues in foods in the laboratory. Although a large number of immunoassays have been developed for pesticide chemicals, very few have been specifically applied to foods, and only a very small number are currently available commercially. The agencies charged with monitoring and regulatory responsibilities--Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Department of Agriculture--as well as professional societies such as AOAC and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, are investigating and developing guidelines for test kit evaluation and standards to be met before a kit can be accepted as a practical and useful method of analysis for use in their programs.