Lonza will be the first bioscience company to provide a molecular testing method to attain a viable count of microorganisms in as little as four hours.

The microCompass™ system dramatically increases the speed for microbiology testing, as compared to standard methods which require typically 3-14 days.

This unique technology provides genetics based results for enhanced accuracy. Specifically targeting RNA, microCompass™ offers improved sensitivity and detection of viable organisms without pre-enrichment. The system allows quantitative detection of bacteria, yeast and mold at a high throughput-level by batching up to 96 samples at a time. Quick time to results (TTR) with microCompass™ enables significant labor and cost savings, as well as delivers more rapid product release to the market. These benefits allow for an appreciable increase in client profitability.

The microCompass™ system is ideal for applications in personal care products, pharmaceutical raw materials, over-the-counter drugs, nutraceuticals, compressed gases, pasteurized and UHT products, water and beverages.

SUEZ Environment through its french subsidiary Lyonnaise des Eaux , a global supplier of water services, has implemented the microCompass™ System in multiple locations to provide rapid monitoring of beach water. With the directive 2006/7/EEC, the European Union has fixed new stricter standards (compliance and maximum allowable values of 250 and 500 E. coli per 100ml respectively) that are almost related to those actually recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"The microCompass™ System is integral to our commitment to satisfy the needs of local authorities to meet expanding environmental standards while simultaneously pursuing a strategy of sustained development," shared Diane D’Arras, SUEZ Environment, Research and Development Director. "The microCompass™ System is the suitable system capable of providing results within four hours without any cultivation step that will meet the proposed new standards for bacterial contamination of bathing waters."

Application laboratories for microCompass™ are located in Walkersville, MD (USA) and in Saint Beauzire, France.