Paralytic shellfish poisoning surveillance in California using the Jellett Rapid PSP test

In a previous publication, we reported equivalent presence/absence results for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) detection using three in vitro assays and the mouse bioassay (MBA). In January of 2004, in response to the summary of actions from the 2003 Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concurred that the Jellett Rapid PSP test (JRPT) may be used for screening acidified shellfish tissues for the saxitoxins. A parallel study of the JRPT and the MBA was conducted from January 21 to April 13, 2004. Thereafter, the JRPT was implemented as a PSP screen for the remainder of 2004. A negative JRPT test represented a final result. When the JRPT was positive or indeterminate, the MBA was conducted. From January 21 to December 23, 2004 a total of 910 JRPT were completed; the testing yielded 478 negative, 147 positive, 259 false positive, 20 indeterminate and 6 invalid results. Animal usage was decreased and analyst time was conserved when a negative screen was obtained. The study confirmed the JRPT could be used for PSP surveillance in California on a year-round basis without a negative impact on public health.