New UKAS Accreditation: STEC detection by PCR

ALS are now accredited for Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli detection by PCR in the UK, from our Specialist Microbiology Team based at ALS Rotherham.

The AOAC validated Top 8 STEC PCR kit is UKAS accredited at ALS Rotherham for a broad spectrum of food types, detailed swabs and waters. The samples are prepared and incubated overnight to be run as a PCR test the following day. The presumptive result is a PCR gene screen for the key virulence genes associated with STEC (STX1 and 2) and the eae (intimin gene). The initial result will state whether it is presumptive for STEC and the genes that have been detected. A confirmation based on the ISO method (up to 50 colonies grown in culture) is completed over the next two days ending in a STEC O group identification PCR which will either state one of the top 8 STEC O groups detailed above or ‘non-top 8 STEC’ if the isolate is confirmed.

The O groups offered in this kit cover both the top 7 USA STEC and the Top 6 in the EU. This kit covers O157 so separate O157 testing is not required.

Samples can be sent on a routine basis, or it can be organised with your current testing laboratory to send any reference samples for this test that have exceeded pre-determined limits on other tests (such as E. coli enumeration). For further information on STEC testing, please contact our Client Services team via [email protected].