Rapid Accredited Test for Cronobacter

Eurofins has become one of only a handful of laboratories to secure UKAS accreditation for a new rapid test for the identification of Cronobacter sakazakii, a pathogenic organism often associated with powdered infant formula milk.

The serious consequences of Cronobacter sakazaii to newly born babies means that testing for absence in 10g of powdered infant formula is compulsory under EU regulation. Historically manufacturers have had to wait for more than 48 hours for the results to become available but the new rapid test from Eurofins provides an answer in under 24 hours bringing real business benefit.

The new Eurofins rapid test method uses a Pathatrix system, which selectively concentrates the organisms and is combined with PCR detection of DNA specific to Cronobacter sakazakii, ensuring confidence in the accuracy of the results. This combination of immunological and real-time PCR technologies provides a highly specific and sensitive test, which is essential since the number of cells required to cause an infection is unknown.

Additional testing can be carried out because the Pathatrix instrument has the added advantage of allowing up to five samples to be pooled in one test. This allows rapid screening of large numbers of samples at one time and also reduces cost per test. Additionally, if a positive result is obtained, the result can be confirmed by traditional culture methods from the Pathatrix beads.

Liz Paterson, Sales & Marketing Director, UK Food Eurofins Laboratories Limited, said: “The new rapid test for Cronobacter sakazakii gives manufacturers of infant formulas and milk powder accurate results to verify the safety of their products under EU law. Not only is the test highly specific, but the ability to be able to test five samples together means fast turnaround, products released faster and subsequent cost savings.”