MicroSEQ® Rapid Microbial Identification System
The MicroSEQ® ID microbial identification system, based on comparative rDNA sequencing of the 16S region (for bacteria) or the LSU D2 region (for fungi), is a proven method for rapid and accurate microbial identification. The optimized design, integrated workflow, and superior accuracy of the MicroSEQ® ID Rapid System enable top pharmaceutical companies, medical devices companies, public health laboratories, and government agencies worldwide to reliably perform a wide range of microbial identification tasks, including routine QC microbiology tests.
Lyophilized for efficiency and ease of use
For maximum ease of use, and consistency of results, the reagents used in the MicroSEQ® Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit are lyophilized into preformatted assay beads. The beads hold the active enzyme, the target-specific primer and probe set, Internal Positive Control (IPC) and other reagents for PCR. The IPC is provided to help eliminate false negatives by detecting the presence of materials that can inhibit target amplification.
Simple, three-step procedure
There is minimal training or prior experience needed for you to perform the assay in these three simple steps:
- Enrich sample
- Prepare DNA
- Run test
AOAC certified
The full workflow including the MicroSEQ® Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit, PrepSEQ™ sample preparation kits, 7500 Fast instrument and RapidFinder Express software has earned the Performance Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute.
Optimized sample preparation
The MicroSEQ Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit is optimized for use with PrepSEQ™ Sample Preparation Kits. PrepSEQ kits reduce pre-enrichment time, enhance assay performance and enable you to enrich and prepare high quality samples from a broad range of food sample types for detection of 1-3 cfu per 25 grams of sample.
Clear results using a software-guided procedure
After sample enrichment and preparation, RapidFinder® Express software guides you through the entire workflow with on-screen instructions. Amplification, detection, data collection and analysis are fully automated. When the assay is complete, the software presents an easy-to-read screen that allows you to view the results in each reaction tube. Results are clearly displayed and can be labeled with flags, notifications and prompts that enable you to quickly interpret the data and take appropriate action.
The RapidFinder STEC Detection Workflow provides:
- Greater confidence in results—part of a validated workflow for detection of as little as 1-5 CFU of pathogenic STEC in your sample
- Simplified workflow—simultaneous detection of E. coli O157:H7 and the Big 6 non-O157:H7 strains in 375 g beef samples with a closed-tube, single-step lyophilized detection format that fits within your existing testing program
- Reduced chance of false results—through use of high-quality DNA preparation, proprietary assay design, and internal positive control
- Same day detection of pathogenic STECs and clearance of STEC-negative beef samples in as little as 12 hours, supporting early product release
- Minimized costs and laboratory space with the use a lower volume of a nonproprietary single-step enrichment medium, eliminating the need to purchase proprietary media
- Compatibility with RapidFinder™ Express software v.1.2 and later—enables easy, automated presence/absence detection and interpretation of results
Studies have shown that the RapidFinder STEC assays have a high level of sensitivity and specificity for E. coli O157:H7 and the Big 6 non-O157 STEC strains. They detected all inclusion strains and showed no cross-reactivity to any of the exclusion strains tested. The stx assays detected all known variants of stx1 and stx2, including stx2f and stx2g. The optimized workflow co-developed with USDA-ARS showed equivalent detection to the MLG reference method, and the internal positive control in both assays significantly reduces the risk of false-negatives.
Applications
The RapidFinder STEC Detection Workflow is intended for use by microbiological analysts who need to test for STEC in beef samples. Combined with the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast RT-PCR System, RapidFinder STEC screening and confirmation assays provide a comprehensive solution for rapid detection, identification, and confirmation of Big 6 STECs and E. coli 0157:H7 to meet importation and exportation requirements for the beef industry. Specific workflows are detailed in the figures below and include both automated and spin column-based DNA isolation and real-time PCR detection of E. coli O157:H7 and Big 6 non-O157 strains in beef samples.
RapidFinder express software
When integrated into the RapidFinder STEC Detection Workflow, RapidFinder Express Software automates data interpretation and generates user instructions on how to proceed with a sample. Data displays are available for novice and advanced users, showing simple presence/absence calls or raw data files using 7500 Fast System SDS Software.
RapidFinder STEC Screening and Confirmation Assays meet USDA FSIS guidance
The RapidFinder STEC Detection Workflow, a two-stage real-time PCR method, is designed to accurately detect, identify, and confirm E. coli O157:H7 and the Big 6 serogroups of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli defined by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as adulterants in the American beef industry.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of more than $24 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics, deliver medicines to market and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services – we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive services.
