Verification and quantification of saxitoxin from algal samples using fast and validated hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method

► Fast and quantitative analysis method is presented for STX for verification purposes for CWC and also for food analyses and environmental monitoring. ► The developed method separates STX from other PSP toxins which are also identified by full scan MS/MS analysis. ► Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) bioanalytical method validation recommendations were used and for identification, WADA criteria have been evaluated for verification of STX by using four diagnostic ions in MS/MS analysis. ► HILIC-MS/MS method has proven to be linear at concentration ranges from 5 to 50 ng/ml and from 25-200 ng/ml, and accurate and precise in both LLOQ and ULOQ levels. ► The presented HILIC-MS/MS method has been found to be applicable in proficiency testing of STX and quantitative analysis of STX in algal samples.