BAX System Real-Time PCR Assay for S. aureus Certified by AOAC-RI

WILMINGTON, Del. — A BAX system assay from DuPont Qualicon that uses real-time PCR to detect Staphylococcus aureus has been certified as Performance Tested Method No. 120701 by the AOAC Research Institute in Gaithersburg, Md.

The AOAC Research Institute is a non-profit international, scientific organization that provides an independent third-party review of test kit performance claims. Food processors who require an AOAC-approved testing method can now use the BAX system assay for quick and reliable detection of S. aureus, a foodborne species that has been implicated in human illness.

As validated on powdered infant formula, the assay’s sensitivity can detect one viable cell in a gram of product. For quality testing in ground beef and soy protein isolates, threshold values can also be determined by modifying the sample preparation protocol. Results are comparable to traditional culture methods but available next-day, with less than 90 minutes processing time.

“Because even small amounts of toxin from S. aureus can cause food poisoning, processors count on the BAX system for accurate, reliable detection,” said Kevin Huttman, president of DuPont Qualicon.

The automated system uses leading-edge technology, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, tableted reagents and optimized media, to also detect Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacter sakazakii and Campylobacter. The BAX system has certification and regulatory approvals in the Americas, Asia and Europe.