Shellfish
samples are taken from
approximately 40 classified production / relaying areas each month
throughout the year.
A positive sample will instigate a weekly sampling
programme from the affected
area until two consecutive negative samples are obtained. Weekly sampling may also be generated by elevated
phytoplankton counts in water samples from the areas. The targets set for results are 80% of Paralytic
Shellfish Poisoning and
Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning results to be issued within four working days and 80% of Amnesic Shellfish
Poisoning results to be issued within five working
days.
