3M assay for E. coli earns AOAC designation

The 3M Food Safety Molecular Detection Assay 2 – E. coli O157 (including H7) has been granted First Action status through the Official Methods of Analysis program by AOAC International (AOAC 2017.01).

The 3M assay was introduced in April 2016, and joins the family of the next generation molecular pathogen detection test kits using a single assay protocol, enabling batch processing of samples and improving efficiency in the laboratory. The 3M Molecular Detection System was introduced in 2011 and is used by food processors, laboratories, universities and government agencies in over 40 countries for accurate pathogen testing.

This next generation of assays also includes tests for cronobacter, salmonella, listeria and Listeria monocytogenes. The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 provides customers with a streamlined workflow that simplifies their pathogen testing, according to the company. Compared to first generation tests, the new assay processing time is 30 percent faster and instrument run time is one hour for E. coli O157 (including H7).

The full study conducted for the AOAC Official Method of Analysis validation of the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 will be published in an upcoming edition of the Journal of AOAC International and will be made available online at http://eoma.aoac.org.

Visit www.3M.com/3MMolecularDetectionSystem/MDA2 to learn more about the technology.