Performance of Eclipse Farm Test Coupled to e-Reader for Antibiotic Residues Detection in Raw Milk

Abstract

A new system for the analysis of antimicrobial residues in raw milk was optimized by combining a microbial inhibitor tube test (Eclipse Farm) and a device (e-Reader) that integrates incubation at 65 °C and colour change continuous monitoring. The system determines automatically the end point of the assay and interprets the results in an objective way. Thus, the new method is adapted for the use at farms and small dairies since it simplifies the analysis and increases the accuracy of the results. The performance of a new system was validated according to the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Limits of detection of the new system were firstly evaluated for 30 molecules from several families of antimicrobials and were found to be close to the European maximum residue limits (MRLs). Detection capabilities were also determined for six molecules representing the main antimicrobial groups used in dairy husbandry (penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, macrolides and aminoglycosides). All molecules were detected at or below the MRL level. Ruggedness was also studied, demonstrating that the new method was unaffected by reasonable changes in the procedure (sample volume, incubation temperature, test batch). Applicability was demonstrated in raw cow milk regardless fat and protein content or high somatic cell counts. Eclipse Farm coupled to e-Reader has proved to be a valuable tool for the screening of a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial residues in raw milk.