Table 1.

Summary of methods applicable to the detection of CI producing phytoplankton and shellfish CIs.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Microscopy	Detection of Alexandrium genus Fulfils requirement of legislation	Identification to species too time consuming for routine analysis
Particle counting methods	Potential for more rapid enumeration than by manual cell count	Morphology of causative species prevents easy enumeration Little evidence of suitability for field situations Sample preservation compromises detection
Molecular techniques	Enables species identification	Methods still research based without application to official testing as yet Sample preparation can be time consuming Some required fixatives difficult to use in a monitoring context
Mouse bioassay (MBA)	Direct toxicity assessment in the animal History of use and prevention of sickness	Qualitative Possible interferences No indication of toxin profile Ethical issues Variable performance Not validated
Fluorescence polarization (competitive)	Quick Technically easy Some toxicity assessment (only for the targeted mechanism of action)	No indication of toxicity for toxins with a different mode of action No information on toxic profile Dependent on availability of receptors from Torpedo marmorata electric organ Validation data limited Standards required to test performance for other analogues
Fluorescence polarization (direct)	As competitive FP More sensitive than the competitive assay Easier than competitive FP	As competitive assay Tested only in one shellfish species for one SPX
Solid-phase receptor-based assays (RBA)	Simple, sensitive, rapid Good performance in collaborative study Promising fluorescence-based binding assay	Variable affinity for BTX metabolites Requirement for animal tissues and radiolabel Matrix effects Limited development to date with fluorescence-based binding assay
HPLC-UV	Can be automated Quantitative method	Low specificity Standards required for some CIs Not validated
LC-MS(MS)	Can be automated Highly specific Sensitive Toxin profile information available	Expensive instrumentation Lack of availability of all relevant standards No indication of toxicity