Marine Toxin Analysis Training Events Update - AOAC Official Methods of
Analysis
Marine and Freshwater Toxins Task Force, Training and Support Initiative
This posting addresses: Additional proposed course locations and dates for:
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Toxins (saxitoxins) in Shellfish by
Prechromatographic Oxidation and Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence
Detection - AOAC OMA 2005.06 and proposed courses on the Biosense ASP Direct
ELISA for Domoic Acid - AOAC OMA 2006.02.
UPDATE (below this update is the original background information)
We have now received many replies of interest in again offering training
courses and, based on the preliminary responses we plan to have courses
again this year, but now we are revisiting this from a more global
perspective. Also based on replies, wherever possible we are trying to
adjust the schedule with attention to the HAB season where it impacts the
hosting laboratories and participants. Regarding the tentative 2007 courses
below, please indicate your interest and how many would likely go from your
institution.
Also regarding these courses, we are looking into offering companion courses
on the recently approved OMA 2006.02 ELISA for Domoic Acid. Should this
course be offered during the same week and location as the LC method for PSP
(likely less expensive) or separately?
PROPOSED NEW LOCATIONS AND DATES
The dates and locations below are now being considered and your responses
will help us decide how to proceed.
United States, Atlantic Ocean side - Tentative time period and location is
early April, 2007 in New Hampshire.
United States, Pacific Ocean side - Tentative time period and location is
3rd week of June, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. Option for reduced fee
participation in workshop or toxin discussions at AOAC Pacific NW section.
Europe - Tentative time period and location is early June, 2007 in Vigo,
Spain, at Univ. of Vigo.
Mexico - Tentative location is on the Pacific side (la Paz) no schedule
known yet.
Asia - Tentative location is China, no schedule or other details known yet.
Background - The Lawrence method is the first officially approved
alternative to the mouse bioassay in 50 years of PSP toxin monitoring. We
anticipate offering this popular course again in 2007 but require more
information from prospective attendees. The inaugural course was attended by
24 students (12 per two-day session) last June 2006. Feedback from those
attending was very positive, and we have had many requests that this course
be offered again. Attendees at our Seattle, Washington course last June were
an international mix of regulators and researchers. The repeat course,
developed like the first one by Health Canada, would be taught by Training
Cadre members of the Marine and Freshwater Toxins Training and Support
Initiative. Industry attendees are also encouraged.
Anticipated cost of the (Lawrence method) course is $500, and in some cases
we will manage to offer the course prior to at least 2 days of a toxin
analysis conference and Task Force subgroup discussions (a co-registration
price reduction would apply)
Please respond if you think that you or someone else at your facility is
likely to attend for each location and time. As before, we would also like
to hear your thoughts on other proposed locations and dates, other course
aspects such as cost, etc., and we will use your responses and other
considerations in our final plans. If you are interested but you do not feel
that you would attend any of the courses and the schedule conflicts and
locations are not the deciding factor, please comment (using my hotmail
address below) if either funding or inadequate time to obtain approval are
deciding factors. Would a course scheduled later in 2007 or even in 2008 be
better for you? Related comments?
Please respond at your earliest convenience to James_Hungerford@hotmail.com,
and
Thanks for your interest! Further, if you need more information regarding
the method please let me know.
James Hungerford, Ph.D.
Chair of AOAC Task Force and GR, Marine and Freshwater Toxins,
Research Chemist
Food and Drug Administration
22201 23rd Dr SE
Bothell, WA 98021
USA
Phone 425-483-4894
FAX 425-483-4996
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