[Ciguatera: a rapid procedure for extraction of ciguatoxin]

A rapid procedure for extraction and partial purification of ciguatoxin has been achieved and compared to one of the routine methods. Fish from two species which provided extracts of differing purity by the routine method were used. From 8 g of raw flesh, 1.0 +/- 0.2 mg of a semi-purified extract of ciguatoxin of homogeneous quality was obtained within 1 hr, whatever the species or toxicity of the fish. The results were reproducible, making the procedure very promising.