Thermo Scientific Provides Simple Remel RapID Range of Identification Panels for Food Labs

The Remel RapID™ microbial identification systems are now available alongside the Thermo Scientific range. The one-step inoculation procedure of RapID makes it the easiest ID system on the market to use. And results are available in just four hours, making it the fastest and most convenient ID system in its class, with the potential to save time, labour and money (ref 1).

Unlike alternative methods that require separate inoculation of individual wells, RapID identification panels have a simple, one-step inoculation procedure. A suspect colony suspension is simply added to the inoculation tray and tipped into the test strip, inoculating each well simultaneously. Furthermore, each RapID panel uses the same simple procedure, so if you can use one panel, you can use them all.

RapID systems provide rapid, same-day results (refs 1,2,3), unlike some alternative methods that require 18-72 hours. This is because RapID detects preformed bacterial enzymes and is not dependent on the growth of the organism (ref 4). This feature allows the panels to be incubated aerobically without the need for oil overlays - resulting in savings in time and resources. Panels require no specialized automation, so even small microbiology laboratories can easily adopt RapID (ref 2).

In trials, the RapID method demonstrated excellent performance in the identification of oxidase negative Enterobacteriaceae (ref 5) , anaerobic bacteria (ref 4) , Gram-negative glucose non-fermenters (refs 2,3,6) and yeasts and related organisms (refs 1,7) and streptococci and related organisms (refs 8,9). A new system is now available for the identification of staphylococci and related organisms.

Distinct colour reactions make RapID easy to read and interpret. Accurate identifications are obtained from the user-friendly, Windows®-based ERIC® software, with results ranked by probability.

Cheryl Mooney, industrial applications manager, Thermo Scientific, comments, 'The ability to ensure product safety while keeping costs to a minimum is crucial to the food industry in the current financial climate. RapID allows the microbiology laboratory to confirm microbial identifications on isolates from raw materials, finished product or the production environment speedily, thus avoiding delays in production or release of product, which saves time and money.'

For further information, contact Thermo Scientific using contact details at the top of this page or visit www.oxoid.com.


References:
1. Kitch, T.T., Jacobs, M.R., McGinnis M.R. and Appelbaum, P.C. (1996) J.C.M. 34(5):1069-1071
2. Kitch, T.T, Jacobs, M.R. and Appelbaum, P.C. (1992) J.C.M. 30(5):1267-1270
3. Vossler, J. and Roberts, D. (1993) ICAAC Abstract.
4. Marler, L.M., Siders, J.A., Wolters, L.C. et al (1991) J.C.M. 29(3): 874-878
5. Kitch, T.T., Jacobs, M.R. and Appelbaum, P.C. (1994) J.C.M. 32(4):931-934
6. Kiska, D.L., Kerr, A., Jones, M.C. et al (1996) J.C.M. 34(4): 886-891
7. Wadlin, J.K., Hanko, G., Stewart, R. et al (1999) J.C.M. 37(6) 1967-1970
8. Arduino, M.J., McAllister, S.K., Shey, D.K. et al (1994) 94th ASM General Meeting Abstract C-138
9. You, M.S. and Facklam, R.R. (1986) J.C.M. 24(4): 607-611