Bio-Rad iQ-Check – VirX 3-plex PCR Real-Time kit for rapid detection of STEC – Validated AOAC and Approved USDA

The iQ-Check STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) PCR Detection Kits consists of two test kits, iQ-Check STEC VirX and iQ-Check STEC SerO, based on the fast, sensitive, and proven technology of real-time PCR. The kits are intended for the detection of STEC virulence genes and 7 major STEC serogroups in raw beef meats, raw milk products, produce and environmental samples. The iQ-Check STEC VirX Kit allows the separate detection of the stx1-stx2 and eae virulence genes, in a single reaction, according the ISO TS 13136 or the USDA FSIS MLG5B.02 standard methods. If the results come out positive, the same DNA extract can be used to for the detection of the “Big Six” STEC (O26, O111, O45, O145, O121, and O103) as well as E. coli O157:H7 using the iQ-Check STEC SerO Kit. Due to the sensitivity and specificity of PCR, detection of the virulence genes can be obtained in only few hours following microbial enrichment. The enrichment is as short as 10 hrs for raw meat samples, and up to 15 hrs for other samples. The iQ-Check STEC kits use an optimized system of primers and patented probes to ensure high specificity. Both kits are multiplex kits and allow the detection of several targets in a single well, including an internal positive amplification control, which validates any negative result. Developed as a flexible solution, iQ-Check STEC VirX Kits can be used for up to 94 samples and iQ-Check STEC SerO Kit for up to 30 samples. The two kits can be run in parallel, on Bio-Rad's high-throughput and multiplex real-time PCR systems. All the iQ-Check Kits include the DNA extraction buffer and share the same amplification protocol, hence they can be run on in parallel on the same plate using low- or high-throughput instruments, depending on the laboratory's needs. The iQ-Check workflow can be automatized using the iQ-Check Prep System, a robotic liquid handling platform performing DNA extraction and PCR plate setup.