Enhanced Accuracy: PrimusLabs announces the launch of the Roka Bioscience Atlas System at its American microbiology laboratories. The Atlas System is a fully automated pathogen detection system, utilizing the next generation technologies. The Atlas System offers the highest sensitivity and specificity in the industry. This means greater accuracy, fewer false positives and/or negative results. The technology also offers full sample traceability. PrimusLabs is introducing these benefits to the fresh produce industry beginning March 3.
German Manufacturing: Roka Bioscience, the maker of the Atlas System, is a spin-off of Hologic, formerly Gen-Probe, a global leader in blood diagnoses for human diseases. With the Atlas System, which is manufactured in Germany, Roka Bioscience has adapted its cutting edge medical technology to serve the food safety industry.
Clever Sequencing: The Atlas System leverages three core technologies to enhance accuracy. The sequencing of these molecular methods results in the unique synergy of these pathogen detection technologies. In the Atlas System, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Magnetic Attraction: First, the Atlas System utilizes a Target Capture method using magnetic beads to isolate pathogen Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) strands. Pathogen testing that targets rRNA is much more sensitive and specific, virtually eliminating false negatives. In addition, the Atlas System’s full automation significantly decreases the possibility of human error and cross-contamination.
Nature’s Amplifier: Second, nature provides up to 10,000 more rRNA than DNA in fresh produce so Roka Bioscience leverages this natural advantage to give the Atlas System an edge. Using a technology referred to as Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) provides the Atlas System with a major advantage in analyzing fresh produce. Unlike other technologies, TMA allows for rapid amplification of the genetic material, resulting in greater testing accuracy. A billion-fold amplification can take place in less than 30 minutes.
Specific Sensitivity: The third technological innovation is the Hybridization Protection Assay (HPA), which utilizes a light probe to emit a chemiluminescent marker, similar to the light from fire flies. This technology helps to improve sensitivity and specificity, reducing inconclusive results. Clinical testing only deals with small variances in blood samples. Because of the differences in produce varieties and the environments in which they are grown, fresh produce is much more complex. Utilizing the analytical capabilities of all three technologies addresses the complexities of pathogen detection in fresh produce.
The Seal of Approval: The Atlas System assays have been validated by the AOAC Research Institute (AOAC-RI) and have gained AOAC-RI approval. The assays include: Salmonella, E. coli O157, STEC (Shiga-toxigenic E. coli), L. mono (Listeria monocytogenes), and Listeria species. Each pathogen assay has been assigned its own AOAC certification number. AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a globally recognized, independent, not-for-profit standards developing association, founded in 1884.
“PrimusLabs has made the commitment to bring the latest scientific technology to the fresh produce industry”, said Adam Hughes, Assistant Director of Microbiology. “We believe the industry deserves the best. The ideas behind this technology are not new, but the way that Roka Bioscience has combined them into the Atlas System is what caught our interest. Combining these components with produce testing fits into our objective of providing our customers with correct results the first time."
PrimusLabs:
Microbiological & Pesticide Residue Testing, Auditing Services, Training & Education, Data Management
For more information visit:
www.rokabio.com/products/atlas-system/
Or contact:
Adam Hughes. Assistant Director of Microbiology
Adam.Hughes@PrimusLabs.com
805.922.0055 x118
Source: PrimusLabs
