Key Diagnostics RapidChek Listeria monocytogenes detection kit

Key Diagnostics is expanding its RapidChek testing solutions portfolio to include a system that detects Listeria monocytogenes, a serious foodborne pathogen often associated with contamination from food production processes.

The FSANZ maintains a zero-tolerance policy for L. monocytogenes pathogen in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products, with national and state regulatory bodies recommending and enforcing hygienic measures that call for frequent testing of surfaces in the environment that come into contact with food ingredients as well as finished products. RapidChek Listeria monocytogenes is designed to meet this diagnostic need.

The product is claimed to provide results days faster than other standard methods, combining a sensitive immunodetection strip with a single proprietary enrichment media. After enrichment, the highly sensitive and specific strips indicate the presence of L. monocytogenes in only 10 min, with minimal processing.

The RapidChek Listeria NextDay PUR-Blue DUO sampler combines a convenient sample collection device and enrichment media for the growth of Listeria species, all in one unit. One part of the unit contains a polyurethane tip swab hydrated in Hi-Cap neutralising broth. The other tube contains pre-made RapidChek Listeria NextDay media for resuscitation and growth to detectable concentrations of Listeria species in 24 h, with no extra handling steps and no media preparation step. Users can couple the sampler with the RapidChek Listeria immunodetection strip for fast and sensitive detection of Listeria species from the environment.

The system has several benefits, including unlimited scalability; ease of use with a one-step enrichment process; the need for minimal training; and a long shelf life at room temperature. It is AOAC certified for use on environmental surfaces and for various ready-to-eat foods.