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Shiga-toxin E.coli testing services (STEC)

At ALS, we offer a market leading, AOAC-validated Top 8 STEC PCR kit is UKAS-accredited at our state-of-the-art category 3 laboratory in Rotherham for a wide range of food matrices, process waters, and environmental swabs. 

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STEC Service

The initial (presumptive) result is based on a PCR gene screen targeting key virulence genes associated with STEC: stx1, stx2, and eae (intimin gene). This result will indicate whether STEC is presumptive and specify which genes have been detected. Confirmation is performed according to the ISO method, involving culture of up to 50 colonies over two days, culminating in STEC O-group identification by PCR. The final report will state whether the isolate belongs to one of the Top 8 STEC O groups or is classified as “non-Top 8 STEC”.

The kit includes coverage for both the Top 7 STEC O groups recognised in the USA and the Top 6 in the EU. It also includes O157, eliminating the need for separate O157 testing.
Samples can be submitted routinely or arranged through your current testing laboratory for any reference samples that exceed pre-determined limits on other tests (such as E. coli enumeration).

 
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