VICAM Announces New Multi-analyte Test for LC/MS/MS

Breakthrough Multi-method Simultaneously Determines Multiple Mycotoxins in One Test Run

VICAM today announced the launch of a next-generation multi-method for simultaneously determining multiple mycotoxins from a single sample extraction. The company’s new first-of-its-kind test kit merges cutting-edge analytic instruments with VICAM’s patented immunoaffinity technology to deliver multiple benefits to today’s analytic laboratories.

The method of choice for trace analysis, liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry offers exceptional sensitivity and selectivity plus unmatched limits of detection and precision. Using VICAM’s state-of-art immunoassay columns for extraction and cleanup not only maximizes efficiency, saving time and materials, but also optimizes instrumental performance, ensuring well-separated peaks with minimal interferences from matrix impurities.

According to Steve Powers, VICAM’s director of research and development, Myco6in1 is far and away the most advanced multi-analyte column on the market. “A single sample is all it takes to identify and measure the quantity of more than12 species of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and tricothecenes,” he said.

The performance of VICAM’s new kit has already been validated for mycotoxin analysis in corn (maize), and researchers are currently working to optimize procedures for testing other agricultural matrixes. Sample extracts can also be analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC).¹
Marjorie Radlo, director of operations and general manager of VICAM, noted that the company’s latest offering responds to the complex technical and business challenges of today’s high-end analytic laboratories. “As food safety regulations proliferate, analytic labs are increasingly required to test for multiple mycotoxins in a single commodity shipment. To serve as the basis for risk assessments, trade certification, and compliance with monitoring programs, a lab’s results must meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. But along with top-quality data, their clients are also demanding faster turnarounds and lower prices. Our new multi-analyte column represents a truly an all-in-one solution to these conflicting needs. By providing superior quantitative results, while also giving sample throughput and overall efficiency a major boost, Myco6in1 LC/MS/MS helps analytic labs deliver total customer satisfaction.”

About Mycotoxins

Toxic byproducts of common soil-borne molds, mycotoxins cause a wide range of serious plant, animal, and human diseases. Six major families of mycotoxins—aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and tricothecenes—are linked to a variety of devastating health conditions, including cancer, chronic immunosuppression, kidney and liver diseases, acute hemorrhagic syndromes, and brain damage. The severe threat these mycotoxins pose to human health, as well as their potency and widespread occurrence in staple commodities such as cereal grains, has prompted worldwide efforts to control their spread into the food chain. In numerous countries around the globe, strict food safety legislation now limits maximum allowable amounts of many of these mycotoxins to trace levels.

The Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium fungi that produce these deadly mycotoxins tend occur together in the same crops. Furthermore, each of these molds is capable of simultaneously producing several mycotoxins. As a result, grains, peanuts (groundnuts), tree nuts, and other susceptible commodities frequently harbor a variety of mycotoxin species. Animal studies suggest that contamination by several mycotoxins often compounds their adverse effects. In response to rising concern about the public health implications of these studies, international regulatory agencies are currently investigating the synergistic effect of these co-occurring mycotoxins in humans to determine whether additional legal restrictions on their occurrence in food are required.

Availability and Pricing

Orders are currently being accepted for Myco6in1 LC/MS/MS. Pricing information can be obtained by contacting VICAM or your local VICAM distributor.

About VICAM

VICAM is a world-leading provider of mycotoxin and microbiological testing solutions. Since 1985, VICAM has been dedicated to developing USDA- and AOAC-approved rapid tests for mycotoxins and foodborne pathogens. VICAM's mycotoxin test kits offer a choice of rapid qualitative screening and quantitative test methods for a wide variety of mycotoxins. Around the world, VICAM products are used with confidence by customers who trust our commitment to extending the value of those products with unmatched service and support. We guarantee satisfaction with expert technical assistance and top-of-the-line customer care through a global scientific and distribution network that develops, markets, sells, and services our products in more than 100 countries.

_{1. Liquid chromatography typically produces less sensitive results than LC/MS/MS.}