Evaluation and validation of a biochip multi-array technology for the screening of 14 sulphonamide and trimethoprim residues in honey according to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods for veterinary medicines

Honey could be contaminated by antibiotic residues. There is still a great need for a cheap and single multi-residue method. The Evidence Investigator™ system is a biochip and semi-automated system. The microarray kit I (AM I) for the detection of sulphonamide and trimethoprim (TMP) residues in honey was evaluated, and then validated according to the European decision EC/2002/657 and to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods for veterinary medicines (2010). The method was found to be rapid and able to screen simultaneously 14 sulphonamides and TMP in honey with a very easy sample preparation procedure. The false–positive rate of 4% maximum is very satisfactory. All detection capabilities (CCβ) were well below the recommended concentration (RC) of 50 µg kg⁻¹. The applicability of AM I kit with different types of honey (monofloral or multifloral, liquid or solid, different floral origins, etc.) has been proved.