Dosage of ABVT

Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVBN) is a critical quality parameter for animal products, including meat, fish, and seafood. It measures the content of volatile nitrogen compounds produced during microbial or enzymatic protein degradation. These compounds—such as ammonia, amines, or trimethylamines—accumulate over time, indicating a loss of freshness and increased microbiological risk.

The ABVT assay is a valuable tool in quality control, assessment of microbiological durability, and determination of best before or best before dates (BBD) of animal products.

Principle of the method: distillation and titration

The analysis of total volatile basic nitrogen is based on a standardized physicochemical method. The basic volatile compounds are released by alkaline treatment, then recovered by steam distillation and quantified by acid-base titration.

Several reference systems are used in accredited laboratories:

• ISO 937: General method for the determination of total nitrogen by distillation.
• EC 2074/2005: official method used to assess the freshness of fishery products.
• Internal methods validated according to ISO 17025, for specific matrices.

The result is expressed in mg of nitrogen per 100 g of product, and compared to regulatory thresholds or the manufacturer's internal specifications.

Why measure ABVT?

The dosage of ABVT is crucial for:

• Check the freshness of meat or seafood products
• Preventing health risks associated with spoiled products
• Complying products with European regulatory requirements
• Justify or adjust DLC/DDM during development or distribution
• Detect a break in the cold chain or microbial contamination
• Ensure quality compliance of batches in the event of a dispute or customer complaint

Affected matrices

Our partner laboratories carry out ABVT measurements on various fresh or processed animal matrices, including:

• Red and white meats: beef, veal, pork, poultry
• Fish products: whole fish, fillets, crustaceans, cephalopods
• Processed products: minced steaks, rillettes, terrines, vacuum-packed or frozen products
• Animal by-products for animal nutrition or regulatory assessment

Each sample is prepared according to a protocol adapted to its texture, humidity and nitrogen content.

Areas of application

This analysis is used by many industrial and institutional players:

• Food industry: slaughterhouses, processing plants, canneries
• Distributors and logisticians: control upon receipt or at the end of the chain
• Food hygiene laboratories: as part of HACCP self-checks
• Certification or quality control bodies
• Exporters: in compliance with international health requirements

Accredited laboratories to guarantee your results

YesWeLab selects laboratories for you that are experts in analytical chemistry and food hygiene, ISO 17025 accredited for this type of method. Each analysis is performed according to a validated protocol, with a complete report that is traceable and interpretable by your quality or regulatory teams.

Our team supports you in defining your critical thresholds, adapting methods to complex matrices, and interpreting results.

A digital platform to simplify your analyses

Since 2020, YesWeLab has provided manufacturers with a centralized digital solution for:

• Send and track your samples
• Get your results online
• Manage your personalized quote requests
• Chat with our scientific experts

We offer you responsiveness adapted to quality emergencies, complete traceability, and high-level technical support.

Further analyses recommended

• Lipid peroxidation/oxidation index (TBA)
• Determination of biogenic amines (histamine, putrescine, cadaverine)

Get your quote for ABVT dosage

Add this analysis to your quote via our online catalog or contact our scientific team to define a customized analysis plan. YesWeLab, your analytical partner for the safety and quality of meat and seafood products.