The Atlas System validation from AOAC’s Performance Tested Methods Certification (PTM #031201) comes from the AOAC Research Institute (AOAC-RI) after initial validation in March.
The additional matrices include frozen raw ground beef (375g), raw ground turkey, cooked deli chicken (325g), romaine lettuce (375g), tomatoes, black pepper, dry pasta, dry pet food, soy flour, and shell eggs (100g).
Detection method
Roka said it targets RNA instead of DNA as there are up to 10,000 copies of RNA compared to a single copy of DNA, so it enhances the assay sensitivity and is not affected by inhibitory compounds, cross reactors or other background flora.
The Atlas System is an automated molecular instrument for the detection of pathogens in food and environmental samples which utilizes a three-step procedure—Enrich, Transfer, Automate—and is capable of processing over 300 samples in eight hours, said Roka.
Roka said step one involves single enrichment in non-proprietary media, step two is single transfer from the enrichment to the Roka Transfer Tube with no heating, centrifuging, or further assay processing steps required. It takes less than 30s/sample to go from the enrichment bag to the system.
The final step is achieved by placing the Roka Transfer tube on the Atlas and the system will do the rest.
Phillip Berry, marketing communications manager at Roka Bioscience, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the first result is available in three hours.
“One unique feature of the Atlas instrument is the continuous access feature which allows samples and assays to be added to “in process” rather than requiring “batching”. This feature alone can improve time to result, and add tremendous efficiency to any laboratory.”
22 validated matrices
The matrix extension brings the number of food and three environmental validated matrices to 22 for the assay, including composite levels of samples and some of the more problematic matrices.
Berry said: “The industry has spoken loudly in demanding more accurate tests in shorter and shorter time to result. The Atlas assays in combination with the Atlas system can provide a more accurate, fully traceable result with a faster, more efficient time to result.
“Food processors can benefit from either the 24 hour Listeria enrichment or the 12-24 hour enrichment protocols for Salmonella. By providing the faster time to result, food processors can increase inventory turnover, as well as, gain valuable time on perishable products.”
The firm added in the coming months there will be significant menu expansion including Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli 0157:H7, and a non-0157:H7 and pSTEC combo kit.
“In 2013 we will be releasing assays for Listeria monocytogenes assay, E.coli 0157:H7 assay, E.coli non-0157:H7 and pSTEC combo,” said Berry.
“Additionally Roka is looking at application solutions for further reductions in enrichment times, matrix expansion, and other methods to continue to provide significant benefits to the food industry.”