ProGnosis Biotech is delighted to share that ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) has validated Quantum BT-CC as a qualitative, one-step rapid lateral flow test for simultaneous detection of β-lactams, tetracyclines, ceftiofur and cefalexin in cow, goat and sheep’s milk. The study followed ISO/IDF TS 23758 and EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/808 performance requirements.

Fast, objective results for dairy intake and QC

Quantum BT-CC delivers a 2–5 minute workflow with automated incubation and instrumental reading on the S-Flow reader or the portable 3PR mini reader. The device performs an automatic first read at 2 minutes and if all simultaneously run samples are negative, analysis stops. Otherwise, it completes a final 5-minute read using a ratio of test/control lines. Instrumental interpretation applies a fixed cut-off: R > 1.10 = negative; 0.90–1.10 = weak positive; R < 0.90 = positive.

What ILVO confirmed

• Detection at EU MRLs: ILVO concludes that Quantum BT-CC detects all β-lactams (including cefalexin & ceftiofur) and tetracyclines (parent drugs) in at least 95% of samples at their respective EU MRLs under Regulation (EU) No 37/2010.
• Granular sensitivity across families: Table-based results include, for example, benzylpenicillin 2 µg/kg, amoxicillin 2 µg/kg, cloxacillin 3 µg/kg, cephapirin 3 µg/kg, cefquinome 5 µg/kg, cefazolin 30 µg/kg, cefalexin 6 µg/kg, and oxytetracycline 40 µg/kg (instrumental cut-off R = 1.10).
• Specificity without cross-family hits: The test does not detect compounds from sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, quinolones, polymyxins, amphenicols, macrolides, lincosamides, diamino-pyrimidines, nor dapsone.
• Zero false positives in routine milk: 600 blank samples (300 farm, 300 tanker) yielded 0% false positives across all four channels.
• Ring-trial performance: In ILVO’s national ring trial (April 2025), Quantum BT-CC correctly screened fortified β-lactams and oxytetracycline with no false positives, consistent with the method’s detection capabilities.

Built for real-world variability

ILVO evaluated reader/test repeatability and typical dairy variables. Results showed good repeatability, with automated incubation/reading minimizing handling variation.

Temperature shifts from 8 °C to 20 °C did not significantly impact outcomes. Blanks remained negative and spiked samples read positive on the relevant channels.

The method is suitable for raw cow’s milk, and can also screen UHT milk and reconstituted milk powder. For UHT milk on the cefalexin channel, additional testing showed detection at MRL with 95% detection expected at MRL.

Why this matters

For dairies and third-party QC labs, the ILVO validation underscores Quantum BT-CC’s fit for fast intake screening and regulatory-aligned decision-making: rapid time-to-result, robust ≥95% detection at EU MRLs, excellent specificity, and proven performance in both routine and inter-laboratory settings.

Paired with the portable 3PR mini and the android mobile app, Quantum BT-CC can be the ultimate screening method for antibiotic residues. Combining accuracy, speed and instant result sharing, anywhere and anytime, it offers the most practical tool for on-site testing by both experts and non-specialized personnel. Learn more about it here:

Quantum BT-CC

ILVO across the Quantum Antibiotics line: In addition to Quantum BT-CC, our Quantum BT-Cef, Quantum BT-S and Quantum BT-SQ tests have also received ILVO validations, broadening the validated options dairies can rely on for rapid, on-site antibiotic screening

For more on the regulatory framework referenced in the validation, see Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010.

See the ILVO validation report here.