Suspect - (see clinical symptoms’ groups listed at the bottom of the page)
Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP)
Vomiting or diarrhoea or abdominal cramps occurring within 24 hours of consuming shellfish AND no other probable cause identified by microbiological examination of faecal specimen from the case or microbiological testing of leftover food AND/OR one or more of the neurological symptoms from Group C occurring within 48 hours of consuming shellfish.

Diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning (DSP)
Vomiting or diarrhoea occurring within 24 hours of consuming shellfish AND no other probable cause identified by microbiological examination of faecal specimen from the case or microbiological testing of leftover food.

Neurologic shellfish poisoning (NSP)
Two or more of the neurological symptoms from Groups A and B occurring within 24 hours of consuming shellfish.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)
Paraesthesia occurring within 12 hours of consuming shellfish AND one of the neurological symptoms from Group B.

Toxic shellfish poisoning (TSP)- type unspecified
Vomiting or diarrhoea occurring within 24 hours of consuming shellfish AND no other probable cause identified by microbiological examination of faecal specimen from the case or microbiological testing of leftover food OR any of the neurological symptoms from Groups A and B occurring within 24 hours of consuming shellfish OR one or more of the neurological signs/symptoms from Group C occurring within 48 hours of consuming shellfish.

Probable - Meets case definition for suspect case
AND detection of relevant biotoxin at or above the regulatory limit in shellfish obtained from near or same site (not leftovers) within seven days of collection of shellfish consumed by case.

Current level:
ASP: 20ppm domoic acid/100g shellfish
DSP: 20µg/100g or 5MU/100g shellfish
NSP: 20MU/100g shellfish
PSP: 80µg/100g shellfish

Confirmed - Meets case definition for suspect case
AND detection of PSP biotoxin in leftover shellfish at a level resulting in the case consuming a dose likely to cause illness.

Current dose level:
ASP: 0.05mg/kg body weight
DSP: ingestion of 48µgor 12 MU
NSP: 0.3 MU/kg bodyweight PSP: 10 MU/kg body weight
(@ 2µg/kg body weight)

Not a case - A case that has been investigated, and subsequently has been shown not to meet the case definition.

For current safe levels refer to the TSP page on the Ministry of Primary Industries website

Clinical symptoms for assigning classification
Group A:
paraesthesia - i.e. numbness or tingling around the mouth, face or extremities
alteration of temperature sensation

Group B:
weakness such as trouble rising from seat or bed
difficulty swallowing
difficulty breathing
paralysis
clumsiness
unsteady walking
dizziness/vertigo
slurred/unclear speech
double vision

Group C:
confusion
memory loss
disorientation siezure
coma