Extremely fast and sensitive test for E. coli launched

01/11/2005

A rapid and ultra-sensitive test for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 contamination in food debuted commercially on Jan. 10. The product, which enables meat processors to test for the pathogen in less than five minutes (vs. up to 48 hours for other tests currently available) is exclusively licensed and marketed by Innovative Biosensors, Inc. (IBI), a College Park, Md.-based developer of rapid diagnostic technologies.

The system is based on CANARY, a biosensor technology developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The CANARY technology’s speed and sensitivity is unmatched by any of the current detection technologies. The assay protocol is simple, requiring minimal training and easy-to-use instrumentation. The E. coli O157:H7 detection system is the first in a series of upcoming IBI products for rapid pathogen detection.

"This product will revolutionize pathogen testing by allowing food producers to test the safety of their products faster than ever without sacrificing sensitivity," said Joe Hernandez, IBI’s CEO. "This test offers the best known combination of speed and sensitivity available, and we are excited to make this technology available to food producers and the food safety community at large."