Antibiotic residue testing in milk

Charm has developed dairy testing via its ROSA (Rapid One Step Assay) platform, which is said to set new standards in testing through speed, simplicity and sensitivity. Test time can be as low as three minutes and ROSA tests can be read visually and equipment needs are minimal.

The ROSA platform is based on dedicated ‘litmus-like’ strip tests and read with a small reader.

For the Australian dairy industry, the ROSA MRL tests are said to provide the closest match Australian/Codex Maximum Residue Limits. In 2007, test time was reduced to 3 minutes with the ROSA MRL-3 test. Users just add milk to the MRL-3 test strip, incubate for 3 minutes and read on the ROSA Reader, which stores results electronically for record keeping and reporting. ROSA tests are suitable for farmers, field personnel, veterinarians, haulers, milk receivers and lab personnel.

Charm has added to its testing programs with data acquisition software, barcoded test strips and RFID/key FOB integration to strengthen data security and traceability. New ROSA milk tests have been added to complement the ROSA ß-lactam program. These include kits for:

• ß-lactams and tetracyclines in a single test
• sulfonamides
• tetracyclines
• chloramphenicol
• enrofloxacin
• streptomycin
• aflatoxin M1 (quantitative)

All ROSA milk tests are run on the same equipment.

Users have implemented in-transit testing programs where, for example, after the last farm pick-up, the tanker driver draws a composite sample, starts the ROSA MRL test and drives to the plant. The in-transit incubator has an automatic shut-off feature that stabilises results at the end of the incubation time. The completed test strip is read in seconds at the plant, reducing turnaround time.