RadioimmuBoassay. again is not an analytical tool in the cxhct lense of the word, although posnive 

 resihs in this test would tend to indicate a simDamy in stniauie more finely ascertained than TLC or HPLC 

 migration. Being that brevetojms and dguatoxin are the only materials known to inhibit specific binding of 

 brevetoxin to its ^ledBc antibody, one can condude with tome certainty that the five samples identified above 

 contained brevetoodns or a very similar toodn filce dgiutonn. 



Concentrations in origina] samples are based on aliquot and cub-samples at cadi step, and are 

 ultimately based on "PbTx-S^qtiivalents* in brevetoxin immunoassay. Efficacy of di^laoement of tritiated 

 brevetoxin by unlabeled brevetoxin oogeners varies about 15-20 %. This obviously is a potential source of 

 error. 



We can make no conclusions about the presence of toxin in any particular sample relative to ecologiuJ 

 constderations, bloom conditions, proximity to contaminated fish sources or the like. All samples were received 

 in a coded fashion, make-up and origin unknown to us. 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



(1) Continue collection of data and refine assaiys for detection. 



(2) Notify Chiral Corporation of identity of aD ^riked oontit^ and unknowns for our record- 

 keeping and to aid us in refining our techniques. 



(3) Maintain a groi^ on alert to properly coDea and marie tissues (preferably fieeze-damped with 

 dry ice to preserve). 



(4) Establish r^id nspoast protocols to aid in detection. 



(5) Establish protocols for handling of tissues (We treat aD samples as if they were infectious 

 agents as defined by DHHS puUication No. (NIH) 88-8395.) 



126 



