Neogen has expanded its line of tests available for use with its innovative Soleris® microbial detection system to include rapid assays for process monitoring in aseptic and ultra-high temperature (UHT) production.Neogen's new Soleris NF-105 Total Viable Count (TVC) and NF-OSB Orange Serum Broth media vials detect microbial contamination in UHT/aseptic production in as little as 48 hours, which represents a significant improvement from traditional testing methods that can require up to 10 days for results. Unlike other rapid testing alternatives, Neogen's new NF-105 assay can be used to test large sample sizes for increased sensitivity. The new Soleris NF-OSB vial allows processors to specifically find aciduric organisms in high acid products.

"The traditional commercial sterility testing is a 7 to 10 day initial incubation of an aseptic product in its carton, followed by a check for pH and package swelling, and often microbial plating using standard methods agar. If there is no contamination, the product is considered ready for market," said Neogen's Jeff Demey. "However, this leads to ongoing production issues if contamination is persistent. Most plant managers want faster results to help keep problems in check. That is why Soleris is used to monitor aseptic processes. It provides the most efficient method to determine what elements of production must be sequestered and put on hold for further testing."

The Soleris system is a rapid optical method for the detection of microbial contamination based on an innovative application of classic microbiology. The optical assay measures microbial growth in test vials by monitoring biochemical reactions that generate a color change as microorganisms grow and metabolize.

"The Soleris system is probably the most effective tool available for testing for sterility because after the initial incubation period, the Soleris system will detect microbial presence in products that other methods are too slow to detect or will miss completely," Demey said. "Soleris will detect process deviations much faster and at less expense than other methods. The combination of faster results, sensitivity and low cost allows for efficient aseptic process monitoring."