PathogenDx has developed an Ultra-Rapid Environmental Screening test for the Cannabis Sector. This is the second product offering from the company after the launch of its PDx-C technology for regulated microbial testing within the medical and recreational cannabis sector. The product to be branded as PDx-Es for Environmental Screening, will specifically target growers and cultivators who are at major risk of contamination during their grow cycles. The testing services offered with this product would be available either through partnering labs carrying the PathogenDx technology, or growers directly interested in acquiring the capability.

The PDx-Es technology is extremely simple and easy to administer. Swabs of working surfaces, ancillary equipment, and mechanicals are taken, and then sent to a local lab for testing. Within 48 hours of receipt, results of detection of human pathogen will be available. The value of the rapidity and frequency of this data will allow growers to identify contamination levels within the surroundings of the cultivation, and know where to sterilize and clean those areas and take preventive action from spreading.

The PDx technology provides the only DNA based test that can detect for multiple pathogens simultaneously. Milan Patel, CEO of PathogenDx, commented that the application is easy and simple, with one swab being able to provide the contamination information for up to 30 pathogens. Current environmental screening methods used today takes days for results, and growers would have to apply up to 30 different swabs for the same number of pathogens. The PDx-Es test is ground breaking in that it will be the only test available where results can be delivered within a day’s shift after swabs have been collected.

Damon Nutt, owner and Master Grower of Arizona Cannabis Society, commented that PDx Technology will put his patients at ease because it allows for rapid determination of contamination but also allows him to know his facilities are clean and if there is an issue, he will know within one day! “We have used this test with soil, water, air filters and swabs and we know for sure what we are introducing into our plant’s environment.”

Dr. Carl Yamashiro, the company’s VP of Product Development, stated that this is the second of a number of products to be released by PathogenDx, which will be coming to the market during 2017. Products include testing for pathogens in food, agriculture and water, see www.pathogendx.com. Because PathogenDx uses its proprietary low cost and flexible microarray technology, PDx can keep up with the ever changing microbial testing requirements with few or no adjustments. With this product, the company has focused in simplifying the sample collection process without the need to do overnight enrichment or incubation. Specialized or custom pathogen or microbial panels for environmental testing can be developed in a matter of a few months or less by PathogenDx.