BSE: Science & research - TSE diagnostic tests approved by the EU
There are 12 Rapid TSE tests approved by EU regulations (as at February 2006) for testing animal tissues for TSE infection. There are currently no approved tests for TSE infection in live animals, although Defra is funding research in this area.
Name of Test |
Format of test |
Tests approved for use in cattle and sheep and goats |
|
| Beckman Coulter InPro CDI kit | Conformation-dependent immunoassay |
| Bio-Rad TeSeE test | ELISA |
| Enfer TSE kit version 2 | ELISA |
| IDEXX HerdChek BSE(-Scrapie) Antigen Test Kit | ELISA |
Tests approved for use in cattle only |
|
| CediTect BSE test | ELISA |
| Fujirebio FRELISA BSE test | ELISA |
| Institut Pourquier Speed’it BSE | ELISA |
| Prionics-Check LIA test | ELISA |
| Prionics Check PrioSTRIP | Lateral flow immunoassay |
| Prionics-Check Western test | Western blot |
| Roboscreen Beta Prion BSE EIA Test Kit | ELISA |
| Roche Applied Science PrionScreen | ELISA |
Tests approved for use in sheep and goats only |
|
| BioRAD TeSeE Sheep/Goat test | ELISA |
| Institut Pourquier LIA scrapie | ELISA |
| Prionics Check LIA Small Ruminants test | Lateral flow immunoassay |
| Prionics Check Western Small Ruminant test | Western Blot |
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the different tests to identify TSE infection. Prior to 2003, the European Commission’s Scientific Steering Committee was responsible for providing opinions and reviewing tests.
Further information
- Testing for animal protein in animal feedstuffs: The EU has a directive on the analytical method for the determination of constituents of animal origin for the official control of feeding stuffs (published 2003).
- Defra is supporting research to develop suitable validated methods for the species-specific detection and quantification of animal protein in animal feed (projects SE1797, SE1798).
Page last modified: 14 February, 2008