Hygiena has been awarded Performance Tested Methods^SM (Certification Number 031501) from the AOAC Research Institute for MicroSnap™ Total. The AOAC validation and certification study included the following raw and ready-to-eat products of  fresh ground beef , fresh raw chicken, raw cow’s milk, pre-packaged iceberg lettuce leaves and fresh cream cake. This novel test is the first to detect and enumerate total aerobic bacteria and give results within a working shift. MicroSnap Total is   a small, simple, low cost detection system that detects down to 1-10 bacteria in 7 hours that also detects high numbers in as little as 1 - 2 hours.

MicroSnap Total is a versatile test that may be applied to raw materials, finished products (solid and liquid) and environmental samples. Processors can now collect samples at the beginning of a typical 8-hour shift and get results within 7 hours to verify product quality or take corrective actions as necessary. Knowing results by the end of the working day allows businesses to react to contamination in a timely manner, and positively release products with confidence thus reducing inventory costs.

Preventative measures to control food safety and quality are recognised by all regulatory agencies and the US FDA Food Safety Modernisation Act places greater emphasis on environmental monitoring for food processors. Accordingly, MicroSnap Total meets the needs of food processors for a rapid, convenient, and affordable environmental microbiology screening test kit.

MicroSnap Total is a two-device test platform consisting of an enrichment device and detection device. The entire assay is run from start to finish in 7 hours with a 15 second read time. Compared to traditional plate count methods (giving results in  2 – 3 days), MicroSnap has a large dynamic range which means that material and labour costs of sample preparation and testing are reduced. Testing in-house is now simple and easy giving timely results for better management and control with significant cost savings compared to contracting out. Hygiena is known for its excellent service and technical support and its Method Validation Program enables users to quickly implement and customise the method.

MicroSnap devices are measured with Hygiena’s EnSURE Multi-functional Monitoring System, a luminometer also capable of measuring  hygienic status from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Enterobacteriaceae, Coliform, E.coli, alkaline phosphatase (for dairy pasteurisation), and acid phosphatase (raw meat and fish) test. A video demonstration of MicroSnap Total can be found on Hygiena’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/HygienaTV.

MicroSnap Total joins other Hygiena tests certified by  AOAC-RI PTM such as for Coliform & E. coli. Other products from Hygiena include the world’s best-selling ATP monitoring systems and UltraSnap ATP test devices.