Int’l - Warnex Receives AOAC-RI Validation for Quantitative Campylobacter Test
Published:June 15, 2006
Source :Warnex Inc.
Warnex Inc. announced that its quantitative Campylobacter test used with the WarnexTM Rapid Pathogen Detection System has been granted Performance TestedSM status by the AOAC Research Institute (Certificate No. 050603) and is the first quantitative real-time PCR test available to the food industry to be AOAC-validated.
"The validation of this test marks a major achievement for Warnex and attests to the high potential of our real-time PCR platform and to our scientific leadership in the development of state-of-the-art pathogen detection tests for the food industry," said Mark Busgang, President and CEO. "This validation will enhance the commercial appeal of the Warnex platform for our prospective clients as well as broaden the applicability of our system for existing customers."
The AOAC Research Institute is a non-profit international scientific organization that administers the Performance Tested MethodsSM Program. Within this program, an independent third-party review showed that the Warnex test detected and quantified Campylobacter in poultry rinses as well as, or better than traditional culture methods. With no enrichment required, Warnex's Campylobacter test provides results within as little as 3 hours.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States, with an estimated 2.4 million cases every year. In addition to diarrhea, Campylobacter infections cause cramping, abdominal pain, and fever, and may occasionally cause a serious life-threatening infection for persons with weakened immune systems. Warnex's Campylobacter test detects and quantifies three species of this pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari, which account for 99% of reported Campylobacter illness cases.
The Warnex Rapid Pathogen Detection System uses cutting-edge DNA-based technology to rapidly and accurately determine the presence of pathogens in a sample. The system allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and processing of samples within 3 to 48 hours, a significant improvement over traditional microbiology tests that currently require 5 to 7 days.
Warnex is a biotechnology company devoted to protecting public health by providing advanced diagnostic products and science-based services to the agri-food, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Warnex's DNA-based technology offers a versatile detection platform that produces accurate results rapidly, using Real-Time PCR technology combined with unique genetic markers and software. With a focus on pathogen detection in food, our development pipeline also includes applications in GMO testing and meat speciation, as well as in the detection of viruses, yeasts and moulds. Warnex's analytical, bioanalytical, and medical laboratory service groups offer a variety of quality control services, method development and validation, contract R&D, bioavailability and bioequivalence studies for clinical trials, and medical laboratory testing.
