Field Testing for Mycotoxins Using the Spectrochrom Myco-Quick Kit^® and Others

Abstract

The need for field testing for mycotoxins has been met with field test kits. This paper will describe the Spectrochrom, Ltd. Myco-Quick Kit^® which allows testing for five mycotoxins: T-2 toxin, vomitoxin, zearalenone, ochratoxin and aflatoxins. It is based on the laboratory testing procedures (Stahr, 1982, Stahr et al, 1983) involving extraction, cleanup, partition, concentration, and planar chromatography. Visualization of the analytes is by fluorescent quenching with short wave ultraviolet fluorescence, with long wave ultraviolet fluorescence and color development with anisealdehyde spray. The spray also changes the color of the fluorescence of the aflatoxin and allows vomitoxin and T-2 toxin to be visualized as fluorescent bands under long wave ultraviolet light, for confirmation of identity.