Detex Pathogen Detection Technology Ready to Roll; VWR to Distribute
After more than a year in development, the Detex Pathogen Detection System has come to market. Based on Molecular Circuitry, Inc. technology and distributed exclusively by VWR Scientific Products, the automated food safety system can simultaneously test for multiple pathogens, including E.coli O157 (including H7), Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria.
The Detex system is the result of a partnership announced last April between VWR and Molecular Circuitry, in which the two companies described plans to develop, market and distribute a sensitive, reliable and objective method for assessing the presence of food-borne pathogens. Since then, the Detex system has undergone extensive testing with some large U.S. processors and retailers -- including Keystone Foods Corporation and Emmpak Foods, Inc.
In addition, Molecular Circuitry, Inc. has received AOAC Research Institute's performance tested method approval for the Detex 24 hour E. coli O157 (including H7) assay. AOAC-RI approval is pending for the Salmonella and Campylobacter assays, and is expected by the end of summer.
Detex Technology
The self-contained, automated testing instrument uses patented detection methods and a new proprietary growth medium to test for contaminants in meat, poultry and other types of perishable food.
At the core of the system is a patented electro-immunoassay biosensor. This innovative biosensor detects the presence of bacterial contamination in food samples by measuring reactions occurring between harmful bacteria and pathogen-specific antibodies.
The system achieves high accuracy by utilizing unique mixtures of antibodies. This enhances sensitivity and improves specificity by allowing lower cross reactivity than most commercial antibodies. In addition to offering simultaneous testing for multiple pathogens, Detex decreases product release delays by providing fast results on individual tests.
The Detex system is easy to operate. Plant personnel need minimal training to use the device, and results require no interpretation. Black-and-white answers reduce the likelihood of human error. It's as simple as load and run. No pre-calibration is required.
Extending ease of use even further, all results are easily archived using the integrated disk drive. This means you can store and retrieve all your critical test data with ease on permanent media. A system port is also available to hook-up your own printer for hardcopy printouts.
Specifications:
Operating Temperature Range: 20°C to 30°C
Operating Humidity: 50% non-condensing
Storage Temperature Range: 4°C to 30°C
Storage Humidity: 50% non-condensing
Power Requirements: 110/220 VAC
AC Input: International Voltage
Serial Port: Asynchronous RS-232
Parallel Port: IEEE1284 Printer Port
Dimensions: 10.5"H x 22"W x 17"D
Weight: 50 lbs.
The Detex system includes system software disk, waste bottle, wash/purge reservoir, needle assembly, power cord and user's manual and comes with a 1 year warranty.
VWR Scientific Products, headquartered in West Chester, PA, is one of the nation's largest distributors of laboratory supplies, chemicals, equipment and cleanroom products.
Molecular Circuitry Inc., a biotechnology company based in King of Prussia, PA, designs and manufactures automated instruments and assay kits for the rapid detection of pathogenic organisms.
For more information contact VWR Scientific Products, 1310 Goshen Pkwy., West Chester, PA 19380. Tel: 800-932-5000
Edited by Pam Ahlberg, Managing Editor, Food Online