AMATOXtest

The AMATOXtest, released from development to sale recently, can detect tiny amounts of amanitin, the toxin that causes the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings. The Amatoxtest is revolutionary because it puts the ability to detect amanitin directly into the hands of clinicians, veterinarians, mycologists, and anyone who is wondering whether the mushroom in their yard is deadly. The Amatoxtest is similar to a pregnancy test: a couple of drops of a simple mushroom extract or urine from a possibly intoxicated human or animal are spotted onto one end of the strip, and within only a few minutes there is a clear readout of the presence (or not) of the major Amanita toxin. Other tests require a dedicated laboratory and skilled technicians, while the Amatoxtest can be reliably performed by almost anyone. The Amatoxtest was developed by researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency, and the test is being commercialized by Amatoxtest LLC. Amatoxtest LLC is a small company dedicated to decreasing the effects of deadly Amanita and other amanitin-containing species on our health and welfare. It is our goal to help clinicians, veterinarians, mushroom foragers, dog owners, and the general public to become more informed about the presence of this deadly toxin. We look forward to working with our customers to make the world a safer place.