​​​The South Australian algal bloom has seen the first ever detection of Brevetoxins in Australia.  Brevetoxins are neurotoxic toxins, known to be produced by the dinoflagellate algae Karenia brevis.

In response, AST's Biotoxin facility has developed a method to test for the three major brevetoxins produced in algae (Brevetoxin-1, Brevetoxin-2 and Brevetoxin-3). This method is suitable for the analysis of fish, shellfish, algae, and animal tissue.

Additional Brevetoxin metabolites will be added to AST's suite of testing as they become available. AST has made a submission to NATA for accreditation of Brevetoxins and pending approval we expect to be accredited in coming weeks for all the marine algal toxins currently listed in the FSANZ code.

This addition complements and expands AST's existing NATA accredited toxin testing service, which provides rapid turnaround results to ensure public safety and facilitate best possible national and international market access for shellfish growers.​

Please see our Shellfish testing page for further information about our biotoxin testing services, or contact us if you would like more information on the implementation of the Brevetoxin method at AST.​

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