AOAC Certification for Premi®Test Salmonella Confirmation and Serotyping

Deborah McKenzie, Senior Director of the AOAC Institute commented, 'The Premi®Test Salmonella method for confirmation and serotyping of Salmonella isolates was evaluated by the AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested Methods^SM program. The Premi®Test Salmonella method was certified (PTM Certification #121001) by the Research Institute in a validation for the following claim:

Confirmation of presumptive Salmonella isolates to Salmonella genus (Claim 1) and allocating one of 100 specific serotypes (Claim 2) encompassing the most commonly encountered ones.'

PremiTest Salmonella
In 2007, DSM made identification of the contamination source considerably easier introducing the breakthrough product, PremiTest Salmonella. This enables a rapid identification of up to 100 different serotypes. The test exploits DNA-differences between the Salmonella serotypes to identify the serotype with a set of specific markers. It uses routine PCR technology combined with detection of the PCR products on a micro-array to match the efforts of classical stereotyping such as the Kaufmann White Scheme.

The difference is ease and speed: Previously, samples had to be sent to external laboratories for processing by specialists. Customers had to wait up to weeks or even months for the results. Now, the testing can be done in most microbiological laboratories and the results are available within a day. The test is relatively simple to carry out following a couple of days' training.

By speedily identifying the serotype, integrators are now able to immediately trace their Salmonella problem back through the supply chain and find the weak link. This can be in the hatchery, in the breeder flock, the feed mill, the grow-out farm or the processing plant. When uncovered, companies can work to eliminate the contamination - or at least limit its damage.