Bio-Rad’s dd-Check STEC Solution Receives AOAC International Approval

HERCULES, Calif. — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., a company specializing in life science research and clinical diagnostics products, announced that AOAC International has approved its dd-Check STEC Solution for detecting and confirming virulence genes from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in raw beef trim, fresh spinach and carcass sampling cloths.

It is the first Droplet Digital PCR method approved by AOAC, said Bio-Rad. The approval of the method for confirmation signifies that the dd-Check STEC Solution is comparable to the standard reference method for confirmation of STEC, reported the company.

The dd-Check STEC Solution uses ddPCR technology to generate thousands of uniform nanoliter-sized droplets that are amplified, read and analyzed for the colocalization of stx and eae virulence genes in a single bacterium (true positive), differentiating it from samples where virulence genes are from two different bacteria (false positive).

Brad Stawick, senior director of AOAC Research Institute, explained the significance of method validation.

“The Performance Tested Method Program provides a rigorous third-party evaluation of test kits and other proprietary methods, ensuring that they are fit for their intended purpose and perform as claimed,” he said. “This includes validation of methods based on innovative technologies, such as the recently approved Bio-Rad test kit for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR).”

Simon May, EVP and president of Bio-Rad’s Life Science Group, said, “The dd-Check STEC assay demonstrates Bio-Rad's dedication to delivering innovative solutions for food safety testing. The rigorous and thorough standards set by AOAC validation align with our aim to provide top-tier products for our customers, and we’re proud to be playing a role in driving the transformation of STEC testing.”

To learn more about the dd-Check STEC Solution, visit bio-rad.com/ddcheck.