Romer Labs’ kits evaluated to test pathogens and mycotoxins in cannabis
During the one-week study, Dr Orser of DigiPath Labs and two scientists from Romer Labs will do validation studies at True North Laboratory in Michigan.
Access to marijuana provides the plant matrix to conduct testing to validate Romer Labs' AgraQuant Ochratoxin A ELISA System, which is quantitative from 2 to 40 ppb, and its AgraStrip Aflatoxin Lateral Flow System, which features a 20 ppb aflatoxin cut-off sensitivity, and the quantitative AgraStrip Aflatoxin WATEX test, which uses a water-based extraction process.
The study team will also validate Romer Labs' RapidChek SELECT Salmonella and RapidChek E. Coli O157 test systems for applicability to cannabis safety testing.
Dr Cindy Orser, DigiPath Labs' chief science officer, said it is expected to result in the first validated kit-based assays for foodborne pathogen and mycotoxin quality assurance testing on cannabis.
"As more states approve medical marijuana, the importance of validated studies such as this one planned for quality assurance will become of keen interest to officials from state public health departments who are responsible for ensuring the safety of medical marijuana."
