ASP Alert
Domoic Acid Test for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning
ASP Alert rapidly detects elevated levels of domoic acid from the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia, responsible for harmful algal blooms and elevated levels of domoic acid entering the food chain. Screening contaminated shellfish before consumers eat contaminated seafood protects public health and marine mammals from amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). This prevents high dose brain damage and symptoms of domoic acid, which included vomiting, appearing within 48 hours.
Broad Species Coverage
Validated across species including scallops, cockles, clams, mussels, and oysters, ASP Alert accurately quantifies elevated levels of domoic acid in contaminated shellfish. This versatility ensures robust monitoring of toxins derived from the toxin producing diatom Pseudo-nitzschia in diverse environments, supporting surveillance efforts for harmful algal blooms globally, from European mussel farms to West Coast fisheries managing razor clams and Dungeness crab.
Rapid, Actionable Results
Delivering results in under 45 minutes, ASP Alert identifies elevated levels of domoic acid before contaminated shellfish enter the food chain. This rapid turnaround empowers operators to manage toxin producing harmful algal blooms, preventing amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and protecting public health.
Validation of a Lateral Flow Assay for the Qualitative Detection of Domoic Acid in Shellfish – JAOAC International
This journal article presents a comprehensive validation of the Sensoreal ASP Alert™ LFA against the gold-standard LC-UV reference method. Validated under AOAC and ISSC guidelines, the study proves the assay is highly rugged, showing zero false negatives.
Traffic Light System for Rapid Risk Assessment
Our Traffic Light System goes beyond yes/no results by classifying elevated levels of domoic acid into three intuitive tiers: Green (low; well below limits), Amber (approaching the limit; warrants monitoring), and Red (exceeds the regulatory limit). This rapid risk assessment empowers operators to manage shellfish contamination from toxin producing harmful algal blooms, preventing the high dose exposure responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and permanent brain damage.
Lower Costs and Reduced Waste
Our testing method is engineered for efficiency, significantly reducing the resources required to detect elevated levels of domoic acid. Requiring 20x less contaminated shellfish sample and 4x less solvent than alternatives, our test delivers significant savings on both materials and hazardous waste disposal.
This significant reduction in consumption is not just an operational improvement; it translates directly into substantial cost savings for operators monitoring toxin producing harmful algal blooms. By minimizing solvent usage, our method lowers overall operational costs while ensuring robust protection against amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and risks to public health.
Why Choose ASP Alert?
Broad Species Coverage
ASP Alert ensures reliable toxin detection across a wide range of shellfish species, from mussels and clams to oysters and more.
Rapid, Actionable Results
From sample to final answer in less than 45 minutes, ASP Alert is ideal for rapid response operations.
Traffic Light System for Rapid Risk Assessment
Gain actionable insights with clear readings categorized as into Green (low), Amber (medium), or Red (high) — not just yes or no.
Efficient by Design
This test is designed to use far less sample and solvent, saving you money on materials and disposal costs.
Trusted by Professionals
Used by regulators, seafood processors, and environmental health teams worldwide to ensure safety and compliance.
Frequently Ask Questions
Domoic acid is a marine biotoxin produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia. This algae occurs naturally during harmful algal blooms. Shellfish eat the algae and retain the toxin. People become ill if they eat contaminated seafood. A high dose is dangerous. Severe cases result in permanent brain damage or short-term memory loss.
ASP happens when humans or marine mammals consume seafood with elevated levels of domoic acid. The toxin travels up the food chain. It starts when toxin producing algae bloom. Shellfish filter the water and concentrate the poison. This creates contaminated shellfish. Monitoring these levels is vital for public health.
Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning typically appear within 48 hours of consumption. Mild cases often present with gastrointestinal distress where symptoms included nausea, diarrhea, and included vomiting. However, a high dose can lead to permanent brain damage, short-term memory loss, or even death.
Razor clams are frequently affected because toxin producing algae concentrate in coastal zones, though mussels, clams, and oysters are also vulnerable across the West Coast. Dungeness crab become toxic through the food chain by feeding on contaminated shellfish. Since elevated levels of domoic acid accumulate in the crab’s gut and butter (viscera) even when meat is safe, thorough cleaning is essential to prevent amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and protect public health
No. Domoic acid is extremely stable. Neither freezing nor cooking removes the toxin from contaminated shellfish. Because the toxin is heat-stable, it remains dangerous even after preparation. The only way to avoid Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) is to detect toxin levels before harvest. This is the only method to ensure public health safety.