SDIX RapidChek CONFIRM non-O157 STEC immunomagnetic separation (IMS) test kit

SDIX, a supplier of rapid detection solutions to the food pathogen testing market, has announced that its RapidChek CONFIRM non-O157 STEC Immunomagnetic Separation (IMS) test kit has been reviewed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and has been listed in the USDA Microbiological Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) 5B.02 as the IMS reagents to be used in E. coli testing.

On 4 June 2012, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) began monitoring testing of the ‘Big Six’ non-O157 shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC), incorporating the RapidChek CONFIRM STEC test kit in their testing method. This incorporation validates the performance of the product’s antibodies and reagents, proving them to be a suitable tool for the USDA, state and international regulatory agencies, and customers in the beef industry.

SDIX has applied its expertise in antibody development to validate six highly specific antibodies to address the USDA regulation for monitoring non-O157 STEC in beef products. The listing in the MLG should provide testing labs with confidence that deploying the confirmation reagents will ensure that they are complying with the testing requirements of the USDA.

Based on customer requests for additional STEC testing tools, the company will also be incorporating these antibodies into a RapidChek non-O157 test kit to be launched shortly, which includes multiplexed lateral flow test strips for the verification of ‘Big Six’ O-type.