The Molecular Detection System has been designed to provide a faster, easier to use, and less expensive pathogen test for all food and beverage testing labs.
A combination of technologies allows for the detection of positive results in 15 minutes and negative results in just 75 minutes, said the company.
The system, produced by US technology company 3M, has been verified for use with meats, poultry, dairy, seafood and processed foods.
The company hopes the development will challenge the threat pathogens pose to the public.
Pathogen threat
“Pathogens are a real threat to public health and to our customer’s businesses. Global regulations are changing and microbiology labs are faced with considerable challenges,” 3M public relations manager Mary Kokkinen told FoodQualityNews.com.
“These challenges include high turn-over of lab technicians, increasing pressures to deliver more rapid results, steady increase in volume of work, increasing sensitivity to food safety issues and the need to cut costs.”
The product is a combination of two technologies – isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection.
Isothermal DNA amplification recognises distinct regions of the pathogen genome and bioluminescence detection generates light when pathogens are found to be present.
“Both amplification and detection occur simultaneously and continuously during the exponential phase providing real time results and a short run time,” said Kokkinen.
Specificity and sensitivity
The combination of these technologies allows 3M to offer the specificity and sensitivity its customers want in a pathogen test solution, Kokkinen added.
“In comparison to other rapid detection methods, our system improves efficiencies in the lab process by offering customers only one preparation protocol across all assays and all matrices allowing for batch processing, easier training and less chance for human error.”
“Because the DNA amplification is detected via bioluminescence, the 3M Molecular Detection System offers the unique use of colour-coded assay tubes to differentiate pathogen assays making it easier for technicians work with our system.”
“After extensive market research and voice of customer collection from food processing contract labs, we designed the system to be compact, simple and robust offering easy implementation and low maintenance without compromising accuracy and reliability,” Kokkinen concluded.