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Bio-Rad's iQ-Check™ Legionella Test Receives 1st AFNOR Validation in Water PCR Analysis

Image The internationally recognized French certification body, AFAQ AFNOR Certification, has granted the iQ Check™ Legionella method its first approval for the detection and quantification of Legionellae by real-time PCR. The kits were validated according to the validation protocol based on French standard XP T90-471.
Legionellosis
In less than 15 years, more than 40,000 legionellosis cases have been reported in Europe, with more than 3,000 deaths. In the USA, it is estimated that 8,000 to 18,000 cases occur each year.

The agent, the Legionella bacterium, is common and can be found naturally in environmental water sources. When the bacteria get into aerosol-producing water systems (air conditioning, spas, fountains, hot and cold sanitary waters, cooling towers, etc.), they can cause a risk to humans. Regular testing for the presence of Legionella in such water supply systems is the only way to prevent the disease.

Efficient Legionella Monitoring with iQ-Check Legionella method
Bio-Rad has developed a complete, integrated solution based on real-time PCR for Legionella monitoring. The iQ-Check Legionella method thus provides reliable results in just 4 hours, with no need for confirmation, whereas the standard culture methods take 2 to 12 days.


The iQ-Check Legionella method includes high-yield DNA extraction (Aquadien kit) and 4 sensitive, specific real-time PCR kits for the detection or quantification of Legionella spp. or Legionella pneumophila. All forms of Legionellae (free bacteria, VBNC, Legionellae carried by amoebae or living in biofilms) are detected in a wide range of water samples (cooling towers, hot sanitary waters, spas, etc.).


Finally, the iQC Legionella PCR kit offers an easy quality control of the method in your lab according to the XP T90-471 standard requirements. Reagents combined with automatic statistical analysis will guarantee performances at set-up and over time when used on a regular basis.

Easy to use
  • All the reagents are included in the kits and are ready for use
  • Minimum hands-on time
  • Automated data interpretation

iQ Check Legionella Protocol

AFNOR Validation and XP T90-471 Standard

For several years, there has been a growing need for the use of quick analysis kits in the water analysis sector. In 2006, AFAQ AFNOR Certification (an independent, impartial organization operating according to EN 45011) developed the application of the AFNOR VALIDATION mark to the sector of the microbiological analysis of water.

It is specific to PCR detection/quantification of Legionella and Legionella pneumophila, since it is based on determining the intrinsic performance of the kit to be validated using the innovative XP T90-471 experimental standard published by AFNOR (French standard organization) in 2006. This standard describes the requirements for Legionella PCR kits in terms of context, performance and control.

With the help of experts in the field, AFAQ AFNOR Certification has developed a protocol based entirely on this standard and adapted to the requirements of third party certification.
The examination of the first certification application for a Legionella PCR kit started at the beginning of 2007. In December 2007, AFAQ AFNOR Certification was granted to Bio-Rad for its iQ-Check Legionella kits.

Ordering Information

Cat. No. Product Description
359-3084 CIP10-M aerosol sampler
357-8121 Aquadien DNA extraction kit
357-8102 iQ-Check Quanti Legionella spp. kit
for the detection and quantification of Legionella spp.
357-8103 iQ-Check Quanti L. pneumophila kit
for the detection and quantification of Legionella pneumophila
357-8104 iQ-Check Screen Legionella spp. kit
for the detection of Legionella spp.
357-8105 iQ-Check Screen L. pneumophila kit
for the detection of Legionella pneumophila
357-8122 iQC Legionella PCR kit
359-1590 Chromo 4 real-time PCR detection system,
with a 96-well reaction module


For more information, contact your local Bio-Rad representative.



NOTE: This item is from our 'historic' database and may contain information which is not up to date.

Source : Bio-Rad Laboratories, S.A. View Company Information

Posted on January 14, 2008