The adoption of Invisible Sentinel’s Veriflow assays follows a six month period of validation studies at selected laboratories.
Assays were validated for various environmental surfaces and food products, including specialized foods such as confectionery products.
Microbac Laboratories is a commercial testing laboratory group with more than 30 locations within a nationwide network.
Unique challenge
Ben Pascal, co-founder and chief business officer of Invisible Sentinel, said Microbac came to Invisible Sentinel with a challenge for rapid tests and faster methods for some matrixes.
"Microbac is extremely customer oriented and works to provide their clients with testing solutions that meet their unique requirements. With an extensive national network, Microbac can pass on the advantages of Veriflow technology to their customers. It's a win-win relationship for both companies," he told FoodQualityNews.com.
"With Veriflow, Microbac can offer rapid, accurate results that help to build confidence and trust with their client base.
"Several other companies are realizing the benefits of a first in class technology like Veriflow and include food processors and other testing laboratories."
The patented Veriflow system combines the sensitivity of real-time PCR tests with vertical-flow-based diagnostics.
Current diagnostic limitations include sample preparation methods, delays in getting data, inconclusive results, and the financial impact of equipment and testing.
Tech availability
The diagnostic tool will soon be available at laboratories across the country.
“We have found Veriflow to be an accurate and reliable technology that offers the advantages of a molecular method with the efficiency of earlier-generation tests,” said Brad Stawick, Microbac’s corporate director of microbiology.
“The addition of Veriflow assays to our capabilities will help us to assess potential food issues accurately and promptly.”
The Veriflow product line has been approved by the AOAC International to detect bacterial contamination in food types and environmental surfaces.
For food testing it includes Veriflow SS, for Salmonella species; Veriflow LS, for Listeria species; Veriflow CA, for Campylobacter; and Veriflow LM, for Listeria monocytogenes.
The firm is expecting AOAC validation for E.coli O157:H7 and STEC later this year.
Nick Siciliano, chief executive officer and co-founder of Invisible Sentinel, said: “Invisible Sentinel and Microbac both understand the role that advanced technology can play to meet the more stringent demands being made of the food industry for accurate and prompt testing to protect against foodborne pathogens.”