MIT 1000 Rapid Microbial Identification System in Final Stage AOAC- RI

The MIT 1000 Rapid Microbial Identification System from Micro Imaging Technology, has now entered the final stage of the AOAC RI Performance Test Method certification process.

The identification process of the MIT 1000 is very different from conventional methods and required several months of education and discussions with the AOAC RI to create a suitable test protocol. Recently, the test protocol was completed and is designed to test the MIT 1000 System for accuracy, repeatability and robustness that will provide the user with the confidence that the technology performs equal to or better than any conventional microbiology ID method.

The certification process is separated into two major segments. The first consists of accuracy and repeatability performance of MIT's test method and is assigned to two laboratories: (1) MIT's laboratory in San Clemente, CA and (2) the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (USDA - ARS) laboratory In Pennsylvania. The second test segment determines the robustness of the System's performance to typical User variations of our recommended ID test procedure.

The AOAC RI's initial Performance Test Method certification will be for the ID of Listeria, closely followed by E.coli and Salmonella -- which completes the list of the most ubiquitous food pathogens.


The MIT 1000 System has been reviewed by several potential buyers and distribution partners in the food processing and clinical diagnostic industries. Following successful completion of the Performance Test Method certification, several major worldwide companies with multiple system requirements will comprehensively evaluate MIT 1000 Systems for purchase.

During 2008, the MIT 1000 System was employed by two independent laboratories, one of which was the USDA - ARS, and achieved excellent results, with over 90 percent accuracy. MIT's technical team has made further enhancements to the System's ID software algorithms and now expects performance levels at or near 100 percent accuracy.

'The food industry is our initial targeted market where over $3 billion is spent in rapid identification testing annually and rising at 10 percent per year -- which should accelerate after all the recent food product contaminations. We are pleased with the development progress made in 2008 and strongly believe we will achieve AOAC RI performance test method certification this quarter,' stated Michael Brennan, MIT's Chairman. Mr. Brennan further stated, 'MIT's technology is totally GREEN and does not require the use of reagents, chemicals or DNA processing to perform an ID test, only clean water, thus yielding a per test cost of pennies. This benefit, along with the System's ability to complete an ID test in less than 5 minutes, has generated high interest in potential customers. We are anxious to aggressively begin marketing this System.'

Click here for more information on how the MIT identification system works