Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR Assays for foodborne pathogen analysis

Thermo Fisher Scientific has released five Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR Assays and enhanced software to test food and related samples for the following: Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari detection and identification; E. coli O157:H7 and STEC screening; STEC identification; Staphylococcus aureus detection; Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus detection and identification.

The PCR assay workflow includes enrichment media, ready-to-use PCR reagents and protocols, and instrumentation for sample preparation and PCR, as well as easy-to-use software for instant result interpretation. PCR-positive results can be quickly and easily confirmed using a single Thermo Scientific plate medium per target and simple immunological test. Negative and presumptive-positive results are typically available in less than 24 h, with some protocols taking as little as 9 h to complete.

Every assay is designed to run on the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5 Food Safety PCR System — an open, real-time PCR instrument suitable for use with all Thermo Scientific food safety and authenticity assays. The six-channel configuration of the system provides multiplexing capability that can now be used in a commercial test to simultaneous identification of up to six STEC targets with the SureTect STEC Identification Assay.

The assays offer complete, end-to-end workflows that provide manufacturers and laboratories with access to a comprehensive range of tests for every step of their food safety analysis, giving them the ability to quickly determine the presence or absence of foodborne pathogens.