What happens when a mycotoxin screening result raises a question?

Integrating rapid mycotoxin screening into your QC workflow enables quick, on-site evaluation of incoming grain. A well-defined QC protocol should guide your team through the appropriate next steps when a screening result differs from what is expected.

By pairing rapid screening with laboratory confirmation and reviewing each step of the QC workflow when discrepancies arise, you create a reliable system that supports confident decision-making across your organization.

There are several parts of the process that need to be examined to determine where the issue might be:

Sample Preparation

• Is the collected sample representative of the load?
• Was grind size criteria followed for the sample? Meaning, Was the sample ground to the appropriate particle size?
• Was the sample extraction protocol followed per the test kit manufacturers recommendations?
• Was the extract separated from the particulate immediately after extraction?

Assay

• Was the test kit at the proper temperature as indicated in the test kit instructions?
• Were the assay steps and timing followed precisely?
• Was the proper volume of sample loaded into the reader or onto the lateral flow device?
• Was the result read immediately after the final incubation step?
• Did you run another aliquot of the sample on the assay?

QC Reference Material

• Are you running a reference sample each day?
• Are your QC reference materials being stored properly?
• Have you run a reference sample appropriate for the matrix being tested?

Other Considerations

• Is the material being tested validated on the assay that you are running?
• Does your expected range of results match the test kit specifications for the commodity being tested?
• Do you have an experienced analytical laboratory partner to support your program?

When Laboratory Confirmation May Be Appropriate

When an unexpected screening result cannot be resolved through a review of sampling, sample preparation, assay procedures, and quality controls, laboratory confirmation may provide additional information to support the next decision. Establishing in advance when confirmation testing is appropriate can help your team respond consistently when questions arise.

The Trilogy Experience

The Trilogy team is ready to support your mycotoxin quality and risk management programs through a combination of laboratory testing services, testing support products, and expert consulting. It is vital to have a trusted analytical laboratory partner to support your team throughout the harvest season and beyond.

Contact us to learn more about our proven mycotoxin solutions.