DuPont Qualicon Releases New BAX System Assay for Rapid Vibrio Detection

WILMINGTON — A new BAX system assay from DuPont Qualicon can be used by seafood processors and government laboratories to detect Vibrio in less than 24 hours. The BAX system Real-Time PCR Assay for Vibrio detects even low levels of three distinct species — V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus — from the same sample.

Tested on shrimp, tuna, oysters, scallops and crab, the BAX system delivers reliable, differentiated results in less than one day, the company said, and its performance is equivalent to or better than the reference culture method, which typically takes three to five days.

“DuPont Qualicon is constantly finding ways to make food testing faster, more accurate and more convenient,” said Michael Chong, Asia Pacific business manager, DuPont Qualicon. “A 20-hour test for Vibrio will certainly improve operational efficiencies for seafood companies. And that will allow them to make product release decisions more quickly and with confidence.”

Vibrio are bacteria typically found in saltwater and unsanitary drinking water, and several species are pathogenic in humans. Consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, mussels, clams and scallops, can cause food-borne illness.