Crustacean Lateral Flow

Allergy to crustaceans such as shrimp, lobster, and crab is relatively common, and can manifest as severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Accordingly, numerous countries require that food labels clearly indicate crustacean content. To assist the food industry in establishing effective food safety practices, AllergenControl™ has developed a rapid test kit that can reliably detect crustacean tropomyosin in food and on surfaces and equipment.

Intended Use

This test kit is designed for use in the qualitative determination of crustacean tropomyosin residues obtained from sampling foods (solids, powders, and liquids) and surfaces. The test is intended for laboratory use only and should only be performed by trained personnel.

Assay Principles

The AllergenControl™ Crustacean Residue Lateral Flow Test features polyclonal antibodies directed against shrimp tropomyosin configured in both sandwich and competitive format. To operate the kit, the sample is first subjected to a short extraction step. The sample extract is then directly applied to the lateral flow device sample port, where it is allowed to migrate across the reagent zone thus enabling visualization of the Sandwich Test Line (T) and Competitive Test Line (0) results. In addition, the reagent zone includes a Procedural Control Line (C) to minimize the potential for false negative outcomes.

 

Food Sampling Test

(Product code: PA-F19)

Performance Characteristics

Limit of Detection*: 0.5 ppm tropomyosin
Sample Extraction Time: 1 min or 15 min

Environmental Surface Test

(Product Code: PA-E19)

Performance Characteristics

Limit of Detection*: 0.05 μg protein/swab, 0.5 ppm protein (rinse water)
Sample Extraction Time: 1 min or 15 min

* matrix-free determination

Customer Service and Support

For additional information or assistance with using this test kit, please contact Microbiologique at (206)525-0412.