More efficient microbiology testing

Pooling principle relies on the pooling of up to five 50ml sub-samples to create a single 250ml composite sample, which can be analysed by a range of end point detection technologies

Matrix MicroScience has gained AOAC-RI approval for its new range of Pathatrix pooling products for the testing of salmonella and listeria.

Pathatrix pooling is unique in that it relies on so-called post-enrichment pooling, as opposed to conventional pre-enrichment sample pooling, the key point being that the Pathatrix pooling approach maintains 100% sample integrity and traceability.

A number of significant benefits that the Pathatrix pooling strategy provides to all microbiological laboratories are as follows:.

Increased sample throughput (up to five times).

Substantial cost reduction (>60%).

Significant labour savings (>60%).

Compatible with a wide range of end point detection technologies.

Original sample integrity maintained 100%.

the Pathatrix pooling principle relies on the pooling of up to five 50ml sub-samples to create a single 250ml composite sample, which can be analysed by a range of end point detection technologies.

In this way negative samples can be screened out very efficiently and if a positive pooled sample is obtained then the original post enriched samples, where complete sample integrity has been maintained, can be very quickly re-analysed to achieve rapid results.

In addition to routine analysis this can very a very effective tool for contamination incidents and/or positive release scenarios, says Matrix.

As the majority of companies find that 98%+ of all routine food samples tested for pathogens are negative, this new technique offers great opportunities for cost savings, increased laboratory efficiency and the ability to increase the number of sample tested with the current laboratory facilities.

For example a company which carries out approximately 100,000 analyses a year and is using a molecular detection method could save £400,000+/annum by using the Pathatrix pooling method, Matrix claims.

The salmonella and listeria Pathatrix pooling products are AOAC-RI approved for a variety of food types, including difficult sample matrices.

The Pathatrix pooling kits offer a unique approach to pathogen testing for all food-testing laboratories.

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