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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
ELIME (Enzyme Linked Immuno Magnetic Electrochemical) Method for Mycotoxin Detection
Published on: October 23, 2009
Viability of Commercially Available Rapid Test Strips for Mycotoxin Analysis Compared to Chromatographic Methods
Klaudia Bucoń1, Paweł Skrzydlewski1, Robert Kosicki1
1Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kazimierz Wielki University, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Abstract:
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by molds of the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. These widespread food and feed contaminants can cause significant risks to human and animal health. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of reference chromatographic methods (high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with either fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) or tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)) with two commercially available rapid tests from two manufacturers. To that end, 90 randomly selected grain samples (barley n = 10, wheat n = 21, triticale n = 10, maize n = 49) collected in 2025 were analyzed for deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), and the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins. None of the samples exceeded the maximum levels established by the European Union (EU); however, widespread contamination with one or more mycotoxins was observed. Results showed that although rapid test strips offer advantages such as low cost, short analysis time, and operational simplicity, their considerably higher limits of detection and quantification values make them unsuitable for advanced laboratory analysis. Therefore, HPLC-FLD and HPLC-MS/MS remain the gold-standard methods for reliable, sensitive, and precise mycotoxin determination.
Insights
Rapid tests for mycotoxins in grains are fast but less sensitive than standard methods. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD) or mass spectrometry (MS/MS) remains the gold standard for accurate mycotoxin analysis.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites from molds contaminating food and feed.
- They pose significant risks to human and animal health.
- Widespread contamination necessitates reliable detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare rapid test kits with reference chromatographic methods for mycotoxin analysis.
- To evaluate the suitability of rapid tests for laboratory settings.
- To assess deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and T-2/HT-2 toxins in grain samples.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 90 grain samples (barley, wheat, triticale, maize).
- Comparison of high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) against two rapid test kits.
- Quantification of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), and T-2/HT-2 toxins.
Main Results:
- All analyzed grain samples showed contamination with at least one mycotoxin, though none exceeded EU maximum levels.
- Rapid tests exhibited higher limits of detection and quantification compared to HPLC methods.
- Rapid tests are cost-effective and simple but lack the sensitivity for advanced laboratory analysis.
Conclusions:
- HPLC-FLD and HPLC-MS/MS are superior for sensitive and precise mycotoxin determination in laboratory settings.
- Rapid tests are not suitable for advanced laboratory analysis due to lower sensitivity.
- Continued monitoring for mycotoxin contamination in food and feed is essential.
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