Detection of Clenbuterol in Urine of Meat Stock and Detection of Sulfamethazine in Pig Meat with the Biosensor Biacore Q

Abstract

The biosensor-tool BIACORE Q was evaluated and validated to find out if it could be applicated on-site in an abattoir for the detection of veterinary drug residues. The study was focused on the following questions: - Is the biosensor-instrumentation robust enough for the on-site application in an abattoir? - Are reliable results fast enough available? - How many false-negative and false-positive results can be found? This feasibility study was carried out based on the examples clenbuterol and sulfamethazine. A total of 500 urine samples for clenbuterol residues (calf, cattle, pig, and sheep) as well as 160 meat samples for sulfamethazine residues (pig) was randomly taken at two different abattoirs in Switzerland. The samples were analysed with the Biosensor and commercially available Qflex Kits for clenbuterol and sulfamethazine. Positive samples were confirmed using LC-MS. From a technical point of view it is possible to use the biosensor directly at the slaughterhouse for screening of clenbuterol residues in urine samples and sulfamethazine residues in meat samples. Out of 500 urine samples, 3 positive samples were tested negative for clenbuterol using LC-MS. Two samples tested positive for sulfamethazine out of 160 samples were confirmed using LC-MS. The analysis method is rapid and reliable.