NCTR Research Highlights/FDA

NCTR Research Highlights

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Current Highlight from June 19, 2009
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Validation of E.Coli 0157 Rapid Assay
Scientists from the Arkansas Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released a Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Level-2 validation study for rapid detection of E.Coli O157 in spinach, jalapeno peppers, and 80/20 ground beef. The innovative rapid assay known as RAPID-B was introduced by National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) scientists and commercialized by Food and Drug Administration Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) partner LITMUS RAPID-B, LLC. RAPID-B outperformed the FDA BAM-reference method in speed and accuracy at low levels of contamination. RAPID-B demonstrated both 100% inclusivity and exclusivity in the tests. This class of bacteria is recognized as the primary cause of bloody diarrhea that may result in death.

RAPID-B also has been shown useful in environmental testing/disinfection conditions, responding only to live bacteria and providing results in several minutes, from sample acquisition at low levels of contamination (~5 organisms/ml); and its range is extended to one organism per 25 grams of food following 4-6 hours of enrichment in nonselective Trypticase Soy Broth. RAPID-B is serviceable with minimal training and is both rugged and mobile for field deployment. NCTR and CRADA scientists have also neared completion of test-panel results for the Salmonella cultivars most frequently responsible for food poisoning.

For more information, contact Dr. William Slikker, Director, NCTR.

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NCTR Research Highlights