[1] Initially, scientists wrongly classified YTXs in the group of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins along the lines of okadaic acid and azaspiracids.

Once scientists realized YTXs did not have the same toxicological mechanism of action as the other toxins (protein phosphatase inhibitors), they were given their own classification.

In 2002, the European Commission placed the regulatory level at 1 μg of YTXs per g (1 mg/kg) of shellfish meat intended for human consumption (Directive 20012/225/EC).

Several experimental techniques have been developed to detect YTXs, each offering varying levels of selectivity and sensitivity, whilst having numerous advantages and disadvantages.

The drawback of using the solvent extraction method is the levels of analyte recovery can be poor, so any results obtained from the quantification processes may not be representative of the sample.

The mouse bioassay (MBA) procedure developed by Yasumoto et al. is the official reference method used to analyse for YTX and lipophilic toxins including okadaic acid, dinophysistoxins (DSPs), azaspiracids, and pectenotoxins.

The original Yasumoto MBA is subject to interferences from paralytic shellfish toxins and free fatty acids in solution, which cause false positive results.

[citation needed] The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique used for the analysis of YTXs is a recently developed method by Briggs et al.[6] This competitive, indirect immunoassay uses polyclonal antibodies against YTX to determine its concentration in the sample.

Liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FLD) provides a selective, relatively cheap, reproducible method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of YTX for shellfish and algae samples.

This additional step involves the derivatization of the YTXs with a fluorescent dienophile reagent — dimethoxy-4-methyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoxalinyl)ethyl]-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione, which facilitates analyte detection.

This additional sample preparation step can make LC-FLD analysis extremely time-consuming and is a major disadvantage of the technique.

YTX analysis limits of detection of 30 mg/g of shellfish tissue for chromatographic methods coupled to mass spectrometry have been recorded.

[6] Capillary electrophoresis (CE)is emerging as the preferred analytical method for YTX analysis, as it has significant advantages over the other analytical techniques used, including high efficiency, a fast and simple separation procedure, a small sample volume required, and minimal reagent is required.

CEUV is a good method for YTX analysis, as its selectivity can easily differentiate between YTXs and DSP toxins.