Merck Millipore have launched the EZ-Fluo™ rapid detection system, a non-destructive, fluorescent staining-based system for microbial detection. The EZ-Fluo™ system can rapidly detect and quantify microbial contamination in any filterable sample including raw materials, in-process samples, final product, and environmental samples.

The EZ-Fluo™ system consists of a reader and staining reagents used in combination with regular 47 mm filtration membranes and standard media. Use of the optional camera offers comfort in reading and traceability of results.

The system reduces time to result by approximately 2/3 of that required by traditional methods, allowing contamination events to be identified sooner and enabling better control of manufacturing process. The system uses standard membrane filtration to detect viable and culturable microorganisms down to 1 CFU per sample. EZ-Fluo™ tests results are easily comparable to compendial method test results, which facilitates validation and integration of the system in any laboratory.

The EZ-Fluo™ method is non-destructive, allowing growth of microorganisms after they have been stained in order to identify them using any standard identification technology. This is a significant advantage compared to other rapid test systems which cannot identify microorganisms using the same sample that was tested to detect the contamination.

"Increasingly, QC laboratories are adopting rapid methods for the detection of microbial contamination," notes Yves Courties, Head of Product Management Bioburden Testing. "Unlike traditional methods that require several days to provide results, the EZ-Fluo™ system enables staff to release product to the market faster and identify issues more rapidly when they do arise."