Real-time PCR assay test for Salmonella quantification

Hygiena, a global leader in food safety technology, offers the BAX SalQuant system - a method that uses a real-time PCR assay with Hygiena’s BAX Q7 system, to accurately quantify the amount of Salmonella. This application can be utilised throughout the beef, pork and poultry industries to provide the precise amount of Salmonella. The BAX real-time SalQuant PCR assay test kit is the first to receive AOAC-RI approval.

Getting more accurate results

For the first time ever, there is a rapid method that can provide quantitative data on contamination levels by performing real-time PCR on ground chicken and turkey collected from a food production facility. After only eight hours of enrichment, samples are analysed using the BAX SalQuant system. The resulting cycle threshold (CT) values for positive samples is utilised to quantify the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) present in the sample. No additional kits or components are required, only the BAX system RT PCR assay for Salmonella.

This allows the collection of quantitative, numeric data on contamination levels that is location- or matrix-specific, more accurate and precise, and less laborious than MPN (Most Probable Number). By combining the power of realtime PCR, the BAX system RT assay for Salmonella, and available protocols for multiple sampling locations throughout poultry production, processors can now quantify Salmonella from the farm to final product to improve and verify sanitation and antimicrobial intervention processes, to meet more stringent regulatory and quality standards, and protect consumers by knowing the risk a positive sample could pose. Processors can more quickly and confidently respond to increasing Salmonella contamination issues, allowing them to better focus their sanitation and antimicrobial interventions to root causes, saving money that otherwise would be used for wider interventions.

Powerful PCR detection

Hygiena’s BAX systems offer powerful PCR detection technologies using real-time and end-point assays which are validated for a wide variety of food and environmental matrices. BAX systems are automated and configured for convenience, minimising operator handling and improving ease-ofuse. Systems provide all the necessary components for PCR - polymerase, nucleotides and target-specific primers with tableted reagents and optimised media.

MICROSEP (PTY) LTD

Frances Renwick Tel: (011) 553 2300 Fax: (011) 553 2400 frances.renwick@microsep.co.za www.microsep.co.za