Rapid tests
About the service
In short- Effective and efficient
- On site
- Strip tests
- Scanners
Wageningen Food Safety Research is constantly looking for new ways to measure all kinds of substances effectively and efficiently. This includes the development of rapid tests. These are primarily intended for fast and inexpensive use in the laboratory, but also have added value for use on site.
On site
Rapid tests are for use in the field, on the farm, in the slaughterhouse, in industry, in a restaurant or when importing goods at the border. The result is available within minutes, allowing immediate action to be taken. For example, not eating a meal or removing a product from the production line.
Our rapid tests are developed for professionals such as inspectors from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and analysts in laboratories.
Types of tests
A strip test is a small strip used to quickly analyse the presence of certain substances in a liquid by means of colour changes. Many people are familiar with this type of test from COVID-19 testing. Strip tests can be easily used on site. These tests are also becoming increasingly advanced, for example by reading the results with a smartphone. This allows more information (such as an estimate of the quantity) to be obtained. Many strip tests are multiplex tests, which allow us to detect multiple substances at the same time. We now use them to detect the following substances, among others:
- Allergens
- Neonicotinoids (crop protection agent)
- Veterinary medicines
- Mycotoxins
Tests that use a small scanner with infrared light also work in combination with a smartphone app. With this type of test, we can measure, for example, the freshness, water content, vitamins, fats and calories in a product.
Rapid tests do not replace laboratory measurements. When it comes to determining the exact substance or quantity, more advanced analysis in the laboratory is necessary. We are working on smart tools that enable us to perform a rapid test and store an extract of the sample. This tool can be easily transported to the laboratory, where the sample can be analysed to confirm the result.
Get in touch with our expert
Contact us for more information or to discuss how we can collaborate on innovative solutions for rapid testing.
dr.ir. TFH (Toine) Bovee
DLO Groepshoofd
