Evaluation of the Premi® Test and comparison with the One-Plate Test for the detection of antimicrobials in kidney

The Premi (R) Test, a test kit designed for the rapid screening of antimicrobial residues in meat, fish and eggs, was evaluated and compared with the (modified) One-Plate Test, an agar diffusion assay. The performance characteristics described for qualitative, screening methods in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC were used for the evaluation. The Premi (R) Test was found to detect a range of antimicrobials to MRL levels in kidney fluid but to have poorer sensitivity for some antimicrobials such as tetracyclines, sulphonamides, flumequine and streptomycin. The test was found not to be sensitive for the banned antimicrobial chloramphenicol. The One-Plate Test was found to detect most tetracyclines and flumequine to MRL levels but to be less sensitive than the Premi (R) Test for most of the other classes of antimicrobials. Neither test alone provides a comprehensive screening test for antimicrobial residues in kidney at MRL levels. However, the Premi (R) Test is fast, easy to use and rugged and, in combination with other antimicrobial tests, may be used to provide a comprehensive screening system for antimicrobials in tissues.