Blue-green algae toxin test – BlueGreenTest®

Blue-green algae toxin test for water samples

Blue-green algae toxin test by BlueGreenTest® helps determine whether a water sample contains liver toxins produced by cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. The test detects 11 microcystin and nodularin compounds and provides a result in approximately 15 minutes.

Not all cyanobacterial blooms produce liver toxins. The toxicity of water cannot therefore be determined from the amount, colour or smell of the visible bloom alone. Cyanobacterial toxins may also remain in the water for several days after the visible bloom has disappeared.

Why choose BlueGreenTest®?

• Fast: the result is ready in approximately 15 minutes.
• Easy to use: the test can be performed directly by the lake, at the beach or at a holiday home.
• No testing device required: the package contains the materials needed to perform the test.
• Targeted testing: detects liver toxins that may be produced by cyanobacteria.
• Clear result: the result is interpreted from the lines appearing on the test cassette.

When should water be tested for blue-green algae toxins?

The test can be used when blue-green algae are visible in the water or when a cyanobacterial bloom has recently occurred. It helps assess whether the collected water sample contains the liver toxins detected by the test.

The test is suitable for examining water from a swimming area, lake, private shoreline or other natural body of water. The presence of blue-green algae can first be assessed visually or with a glass or stick test. These methods may indicate the presence of cyanobacteria, but they cannot show whether the cyanobacteria are producing liver toxins.

How to use the blue-green algae toxin test

1. Add the water to be tested to the sample container.
2. Wait for 10 minutes.
3. Use the pipette to collect water from the container and dispense it into the sample well of the test cassette as instructed.
4. Read the result after five minutes.

Always follow the instructions supplied with the package. They specify the correct sample volume, waiting times and result-reading time.

How is the test result interpreted?

• One line in the C area: the liver toxins detected by the test have not been found at the level indicated by the test.
• Two lines in the C and T areas: the liver toxins detected by the test have been found in the water sample.
• No line in the C area: the result is invalid and cannot be interpreted.

Always interpret the result according to the instructions supplied with the test. This is a qualitative rapid test and does not determine the exact concentration of an individual compound. If necessary, the water sample can be examined more extensively by a laboratory.

Which cyanobacterial toxins does the test detect?

BlueGreenTest® detects the following liver-toxic compounds:

• MC-LR
• dm-MC-LR
• MC-RR
• dm-MC-RR
• MC-LA
• MC-LY
• MC-LF
• MC-YR
• MC-WR
• MC-LW
• Nod-R

Cyanobacteria may also produce other harmful substances that this test does not detect. A negative result does not therefore confirm that water containing visible blue-green algae is safe to use.

What does the package contain?

• One test cassette
• One sample container
• Materials needed to perform the test
• Disposable gloves
• Detailed instructions for use

The package contains one single-use test for examining one water sample.

Can the water be used after a negative result?

A negative result means that the liver toxins detected by the test were not found at the level indicated by the test in the examined sample. The result applies only to the collected sample and the compounds detected by the test.

The amount of cyanobacteria and toxins can change rapidly and may vary between different parts of the same shoreline. Water containing visible blue-green algae should not be used for drinking, cooking, washing or as sauna water. Swimming in visibly affected water should also be avoided.

Frequently asked questions about the blue-green algae toxin test

How quickly is the result available?

The entire test takes approximately 15 minutes. The water sample is first left in the sample container for 10 minutes. It is then added to the test cassette, and the result is read after five minutes.

Does the test detect blue-green algae in the water?

The test does not detect the cyanobacteria themselves. It detects certain liver toxins that cyanobacteria may produce. The presence of blue-green algae can first be assessed visually or with a glass or stick test.

Does the test show the exact toxin concentration?

No. This is a qualitative rapid test that indicates whether the liver toxins covered by the test are detected according to the instructions. It does not provide the exact concentration of an individual compound.

Can the water be tested after the visible bloom has disappeared?

Yes. Cyanobacterial toxins may remain in the water for several days after the visible bloom has disappeared.

Does a negative result mean that the water is safe for swimming?

Not automatically. The result applies only to the collected sample and the liver toxins detected by the test. If blue-green algae are visible, swimming should be avoided regardless of the test result.

Can water containing blue-green algae be used for washing or in a sauna?

No. Water containing visible blue-green algae should not be used for drinking, cooking, washing or as sauna water.

How many water samples can be tested with one package?

The package contains one single-use test for examining one water sample.

Test for blue-green algae toxins at the water’s edge

BlueGreenTest® provides more information in approximately 15 minutes about whether a water sample contains the liver toxins detected by the test. Order the test for your holiday home, boat or beach trip and examine the water sample conveniently on site.