BioControl Systems, Inc., has become the first manufacturer to develop a DNA-based E coli O157:H7 assay and a Shiga Toxin genes assay which successfully completed the highly rigorous AOAC Official Method validation process. Through collaborative study by 15 independent laboratories, the Assurance GDS™ E coli O157:H7 assay (AOAC 2005.04) as well as the Shiga Toxin gene assay (AOAC 2005.05) were found to be equivalent to or better than the reference cultural method.

The Assurance GDS genetic detection system combines the latest advancements in molecular technology and food microbiology to provide faster results with the increased accuracy required to meet today’s food and environmental testing challenges. Assurance GDS for E coli O157:H7 has been designed to provide results in a single, 8 hour shift. The Shiga Toxin genes assay is a companion assay that specifically measures the presence of Shigatoxin genes in samples containing E coli O157:H7. It can be used when supplemental information regarding the presence of Shigatoxin genes is desired.

In addition to faster results Assurance GDS also offers greater accuracy in the form of multiple layers of specificity. These include Immunomagnetic separation (IMS), highly specific primers, and a patented Probe system which ensure the highest degree of accuracy. Completing the system is the Assurance GDS Rotor-Gene™, an innovative multi-channel rotary cycler for the amplification and detection of the targets. The Assurance GDS Rotor-Gene can read multiple, distinct targets thereby eliminating the need for melt curves, which can be difficult and time consuming to interpret.