Test criterion
¡¤ The THAMNOTOXKIT F is a 24h assay based on mortality of the test organisms, with calculation of the 24hLC50.
Reproducibility
¡¤ Cysts of high quality produced in strictly controlled conditions preclude variability associated with recruitment/ maintenance of live stocks in conventional bioassays.
¡¤ Highly uniform quality of the test medium is achieved by simple dilution of concentrated solutions of selected salts with de-ionized water.
¡¤ Standardized micro-plate test containers constructed of biologically inert materials ensure uniform exposure conditions.
¡¤ A Quality Control Test with a reference chemical is described in detail, for accuracy and reproducibility check.
Cost-Effectiveness
¡¤ Cysts can be hatched on demand, eliminating the need and the costs of continuous culturing and maintenance of test organisms.
¡¤ Minimal equipment needed for test performance: dissecting microscope ¨C small incubator ¨C conventional laboratory glassware.
¡¤ Shelf-life of cysts guaranteed for several months when stored properly, reducing test scheduling constraints.
Contents
¡¤ Tubes with cysts concentrated hatching and toxicant dilution medium, hatching and test ontainers and micropipettes for the transfer of the organisms.
¡¤ Detailed Standard Operational Procedure brochure, abbreviated Bench Protocol, data scoring sheets and graphical LC50 calculation sheets.
¡¤ Specification sheet with batch number of the cysts and the media.
User-Friendliness
¡¤ Simple handlings and scorings.
¡¤ Total performance time of the assay approximately 1 hour.
¡¤ A floppy disc for easy Toxkit data treatment can be obtained on demand.
Sensitivity
¡¤ Very sensitive assay.
¡¤ In many cases more sensitive than other crustacean test species in acute assays.
¡¤ Specifically sensitive to biotoxins produced by blue-green algae.
Validation
¡¤ Used in many laboratories worldwide for routine screening of chemicals and environmental samples.
¡¤ Substantial number of publications reporting data for various uses.
¡¤ Acute toxicity test with Thamnocephalus platyurus endorsed or taken into consideration for regulatory testing in several countries.