Antibiotics SCAN test

Antibiotics are used in animal husbandry for the treatment and prevention of animal disease. To avoid undesired residues of these substances in edible tissues, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) have been established in the European Union. Products for sale in the EU have to fulfill these requirements. Self monitoring is an important tool to ensure product reliability.

(SCAN) tests, a microbiological screening method for the detection of antibiotic residues in fresh meat (poultry, pig, bovine), fish, milk and eggs. The full method comprises five individual test plates; for each class of antibiotic (tetracyclines, quinolones, sulphonamides, aminoglycosides and macrolides/ß-lactams, a SCAN test is available.

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Fast & sensitive screening test for the detection of antibiotics

SCAN test
  • Detection of antibiotics in poultry, meat, fish, milk and eggs
  • Fast (results after overnight incubation)
  • Reliable
  • Sensitive
  • On site application
  • Inexpensive

Fast & reliable

The SCAN-tests are based on direct application of meat fluid or homogenized egg or milk onto a growth medium seeded with a sensitive test bacterium. After overnight incubation, the presence of antibiotic residues is shown by the formation of growth inhibition zones around the sample holes. The SCAN-tests are validated according to EU-guideline 2002/657/EC and show detection limits at or below the EU MRLs.

The SCAN

The SCAN tests are recommended by the Association of Dutch Poultry Processing Industries for their self control program on antibiotic residues. Yearly approximately 25.000 chicken breasts are screened with the Poultry SCAN tests for tetracyclines or quinolones.