The Laboratory of Marine Toxins (LABTOX-UES) has implemented since 2011 a receptor binding assay ... more The Laboratory of Marine Toxins (LABTOX-UES) has implemented since 2011 a receptor binding assay (RBA) to estimate concentrations of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in fish products for timely response to toxic outbreaks in El Salvador. Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been essential in the implementation of this methodology. El Salvador is the first country in Latin America, after the United States, in applying this test in microplate format. In addition to analyses of toxins in shellfish, the method was adapted to analyze crabs, snails, sea turtles, and other marine organisms which may have acquired PSP toxins through transfers in the food chain. Application of this method allowed for early warning on the occurrence of PSP toxins during the toxic outbreaks in 2010-2011 and 2012 in El Salvador. LABTOX-UES was able to provide timely technical information to state authorities, strengthening their decisions to establish shellfish harvesting closures, mitigating the impact on public health and safeguarding human lives.
The Laboratory of Marine Toxins (LABTOX-UES) has implemented since 2011 a receptor binding assay ... more The Laboratory of Marine Toxins (LABTOX-UES) has implemented since 2011 a receptor binding assay (RBA) to estimate concentrations of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in fish products for timely response to toxic outbreaks in El Salvador. Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been essential in the implementation of this methodology. El Salvador is the first country in Latin America, after the United States, in applying this test in microplate format. In addition to analyses of toxins in shellfish, the method was adapted to analyze crabs, snails, sea turtles, and other marine organisms which may have acquired PSP toxins through transfers in the food chain. Application of this method allowed for early warning on the occurrence of PSP toxins during the toxic outbreaks in 2010-2011 and 2012 in El Salvador. LABTOX-UES was able to provide timely technical information to state authorities, strengthening their decisions to establish shellfish harvesting closures, mitigating the impact on public health and safeguarding human lives.
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