Microbiology

Test kits for the detection of microbiological contamination

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Microbiology

Food contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, molds or viruses may pose a risk to the consumer. In addition to the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, it is important to monitor typical spoilage organisms in order to reduce losses during production.

Microorganisms are creatures of microscopically small size, mainly organized as single-cell organisms, while some of them may occur multicellularly. They can be found everywhere in the natural environment (water, soil, air, etc.). Microorganisms may naturally be present in foods or on the surfaces of foods (e.g. fresh vegetables) or added as contamination during the manufacturing process of food products (e.g. insufficient hygiene in meat processing).

In food industry, it can be distinguished between different categories of microbiological contamination:

Pathogenic microorganisms are either not allowed at all to occur in the foodstuff or they are limited to a specified number of cells per gram food. These limits differ to the respective food matrix. (For more information please visit the DGHM Website.) If limits are exceeded, this might have tremendous consequences for consumer’s health. Therefore, a zero tolerance per 25 g of food sample is predicted for most of all common pathogens (SalmonellaCampylobacterE. coli, etc.).

In general, you can differentiate between two methods of microbiological testing: food testing and hygiene monitoring / cleaning control.

Detection of microorganisms in the production environment

Microbiological tests for cleaning and hygiene control detect general residues of foods on insufficient cleaned surfaces in the production environment. These residues of nutrients are the basis for growth of microorganisms.

Colony counting in foods or on surfaces can be done using the ready-to-use Compact Dry plates. Compact Dry plates are available for 13 different parameters of analysis. General method base of examinations with Compact Dry is the cultivation of microorganisms on standard nutrient media. The test principle is based on specific chromogenic substrates which are converted into colored products by the metabolism of microorganisms. Beside examination of diluted food samples, Compact Dry is also suited for swab samples from surfaces or incubation of membrane filter samples from liquids.

Residues of foods on surfaces can be detected using protein tests (RIDA®CHECK) or ATP measurements (LuciPac™Pen, LuciPac™ A3 Surface). Determination of proteins roughly describes the stage of contamination by color change of the colorimetric detection reagent. However, the relative amount of ATP (Adenosintriphosphat) or AMP (Adenosinmonophosphat) respectively can be measured very precisely. A special bioluminescence reaction which requires the presence of ATP or AMP is recorded in a special luminometer instrument (Lumitester SMART). Both systems are suited for consistent control of efficiency of cleaning procedures. These controls ensure maintenance of general industrial hygiene. Surfaces which are hygienically clean can reduce the risk of product contaminations.

Compact DryRIDA®CHECKLumitester SMART
Ready-to-use nutrient platesProtein testATP / AMP measurement
Microbial count on surfaces and in diluted food samplesSwab test for the detection of food residues on surfacesDetection of food residues on surfaces
Easy and safeRapid and reliable methodRapid and convenient using LuciPac®Pen and LuciPac™ A3 Surface with integrated swab

Detection of microorganisms in foods

Toxic residues of bacteria in food and beverage samples can be analyzed with test kits for bacterial toxins. Common test formats for microbial food testing are ELISA assaysreal-time PCR tests, nutrient plates and agar plates.

For detection of pathogenic bacteria, immunological based methods (ELISA) are available. RIDASCREEN® assays are based on the sandwich technology, in which the antigen (bacterial surface protein) will be captured in the well of a microplate and detected by adding a second antibody which is marked with a special detection enzyme. The immunological detection requires suitable pre-enrichment procedures depending on the kind of pathogen bacteria.

The detection of bacterial toxins is possible directly from food samples (RIDASCREEN® SET Total and RIDASCREEN® SET A,B,C,D,E) or is used for indirect detection of toxin producing pathogenic bacteria subsequent to appropriate pre-enrichment.

The identification of pathogenic bacteria and viruses can be performed with molecular biological systems, e.g. the highly specific real-time PCR kits of the SureFast® PATHOGEN line. The modular system consists of optimized DNA preparation via spin filter columns and the commonly used TaqMan hydrolysis probe technology linked with FAM dyes for detection. It can be performed with all commonly available types of real-time PCR thermo cyclers. The internal amplification control is integrated into all PLUS kits. The appropriate choice of amplification control dye depends on the cycler type where the reaction will be applied to.

RIDASCREEN®SureFast®Compact Dry
Immunological test (ELISA)Molecular-biological test (real-time PCR)Ready-to-use nutrient plates
For the detection of bacteria and bacterial toxinsFor the detection of bacteria and virusesMicrobial count on surfaces and in diluted food samples
Rapid and reliable methodHighly specific and fast; suitable for all standard PCR thermal cyclersEasy and safe

SureFast® Microbiology

SureFast® real-time PCR tests are efficient and highly specific molecular biological tests for detecting microorganisms. Learn more in our product flyer.

Product portfolio

ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
Compact Dry AQ

Usage of Compact Dry AQ is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of heterotrophic water bacteria from water samples (drinking and ultrapure water). The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish …

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HS9541: 100 nutrient plates,
HS9542: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS9541 / HS9542
Compact Dry ETC

Usage of Compact Dry ETC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of Enterococcus in foods and water samples. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish containing a detection specific …

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HS9461: 100 nutrient plates,
HS9462: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS9461 / HS9462
Compact Dry BC

Usage of Compact Dry BC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of Bacillus cereus in foods or raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish containing a detection specific …

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HS9721: 100 nutrient plates,
HS9722: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS9721 / HS9722
Compact Dry X-SA

Usage of Compact Dry X-SA is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of Staphylococcus aureus in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special …

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HS9621: 100 nutrient plates,
HS9622: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS9621 / HS9622
Compact Dry YM

Usage of Compact Dry YM is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of yeasts and molds in foods or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter …

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HS8801: 100 nutrient plates,
HS8802: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS8801 / HS8802
Compact Dry VP

Usage of Compact Dry VP is a simple and safe test procedure for detection and quantification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus as well as Vibrio spp. in foods or raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish …

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HS8821: 100 nutrient plates,
HS8822: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS8821 / HS8822
Compact Dry TC

Usage of Compact Dry TC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of aerobic mesophilic count in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a …

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HS8771: 100 nutrient plates,
HS8772: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS8771 / HS8772
Compact Dry SL

Usage of Compact Dry SL is a simple and safe test procedure for detection of Salmonella in pre-enriched samples of foods or raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish containing a detection specific nutrient …

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HS9401: 100 nutrient plates,
HS9402: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS9401 / HS9402
Compact Dry LS

Usage of Compact Dry LS is a simple and safe test procedure for quantification of Listeria contaminations in foods or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish …

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HS8811: 100 nutrient plates,
HS8812: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS8811 / HS8812
Compact Dry ETB

Usage of Compact Dry ETB is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of Enterobacteria in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm …

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HS9431: 100 nutrient plates,
HS9432: 40 nutrient plates (HS9432),
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS9431 / HS9432
Compact Dry EC

Usage of Compact Dry EC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of coliform bacteria and E. coli in foods, cosmetics, water or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist …

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HS8781: 100 nutrient plates,
HS8782: 40 nutrient plates (HS8782),
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS8781 / HS8782
Compact Dry CF

Usage of Compact Dry CF is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of coliform bacteria in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm …

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HS8791: 100 nutrient plates,
HS8792: 40 nutrient plates,
four plates are packed in one aluminum bag.
HS8791 / HS8792
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ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Hop resistance

Qualitative detection and differentiation of the hop resistance genes hor A / hor C / hit A and ORF 5 as genetic markers for beer-spoilage microorganisms.

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50 reactions Q105
GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Beer differentiation high

Differentiation of beer spoilage bacteria and yeast in beer and mixed beer drinks. The following bacteria and yeast are differentiated: L. acetotolerans, L. backii, L. brevis/L. brevisimilis/L. parabrevis, L. lindneri, L. casei/ L paracasei, L. …

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12 strips à 8 tubes (one strip per sample, tube 2 contains lyticase) for 12 samples. Q081
GEN-IAL® Biogenic amines

Real-time PCR kit for the detection of biogenic amines producing lactic acid bacteria in wine.

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50 reactions Q345
SureFast® Enterobacteriaceae Screening PLUS

The test detects Enterobacteriaceae DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5507
SureFast® Parasitic Water Panel 4plex

The SureFast® Parasitic Water Panel 4plex is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium spp.. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control …

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100 reactions F5506
SureFast® Legionella 3plex

The SureFast® Legionella 3plex is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of Legionella spp. and Legionella pneumophila. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5505
SureFast® Vibrio 4plex

The SureFast® Vibrio 4plex is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5161
SureFast® Pseudomonas aeruginosa PLUS

The SureFast® Pseudomonas aeruginosa PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of a specific DNA sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).  

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100 reactions F5503
SureFast® Escherichia coli PLUS

The test detects Escherichia coli DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).  

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100 reactions F5157
SureFast® Cronobacter sakazakii PLUS

SureFast® Cronobacter sakazakii PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of Cronobacter sakazakii DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).  

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100 reactions F5115
SureFast® Cronobacter PLUS

The test detects Cronobacter spp. DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).  

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100 reactions F5114
GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Biofilm

Real-time PCR detection of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactoccocus lactis and Wickerhamomyces anomalus, which are involved in the development of biofilms.

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50 reactions Q095
GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Alicyclobacillus differentiation

Qualitative detection and identification of Alicyclobacillus spp., Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris.

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48 reactions Q724
GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Dekkera bruxellensis quantitative high

Qualitative and quantitative detection of Dekkera bruxellensis in wine and grape must.

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48 reactions (freeze-dried, tubes incl. Lytikase and IC-DNA). Q371
SureFast® Emetic Bacillus cereus PLUS

The SureFast® Emetic Bacillus cereus PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of a specific cereulide synthetase DNA sequence of the emetic Bacillus cereus. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5127
GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Yeast Zygosaccharomyces bailii high

Detection of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in wine and grape must by real-time PCR.

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48 reactions (tubes incl. Lyticase and IC-DNA) Q561
SureFast® Clostridium perfringens PLUS

The SureFast® Clostridium perfringens PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of a specific alpha-toxin DNA sequence of Clostridium perfringens. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).  

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100 reactions F5123
SureFast® Clostridium botulinum Screening PLUS

The SureFast® Clostridium botulinum Screening PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) A, B, E and F DNA sequences of Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium baratii and Clostridium butyricum. …

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100 reactions F5110
SureFast® Clostridium estertheticum PLUS

The test detects Clostridium estertheticum DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5160
SureFast® Salmonella ONE

Salmonella spp. detection with real-time PCR Two in one – Salmonella test kit with included DNA preparation The kit is intended to be used for the fast and simple isolation and detection of Salmonella DNA from enrichment cultures. Each reaction …

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100 reactions F5211
SureFast® Salmonella PLUS

The SureFast® Salmonella PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of a specific DNA sequence of Salmonella spp.. The SureFast® Salmonella PLUS real-time PCR kit has been validated and certified in combination with the …

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100 reactions F5111
SureFast® EHEC/EPEC 4plex

SureFast® EHEC/EPEC 4plex is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of DNA sequences of the virulence factors stx1 (subtype a-d), stx2 (subtype a-g), eae and the E. coli and Shigella spp. virulence factor ipaH. The …

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100 reactions F5128
SureFast® Legionella Screen PLUS

The test detects Legionella spp. DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).  

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100 reactions F5502
SureFast® Hepatitis A PLUS

The test is a real-time RT-PCR for the direct and qualitative detection of hepatitis A virus. The test contains an Internal Control RNA (ICR) as an internal control of sample preparation procedure and to determine possible PCR-inhibition. For …

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100 reactions F7125
SureFast® Bacillus cereus group PLUS

The SureFast® Bacillus cereus group PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific DNA sequences of Bacillus cereus group (Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus cytotoxis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus …

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100 reactions F5126
SureFast® Staphylococcus aureus PLUS

The SureFast® Staphylococcus aureus PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of a specific Staphylococcus aureus DNA sequence. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5116
SureFast® Listeria monocytogenes PLUS

SureFast® Listeria monocytogenes PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of DNA sequences of the Listeria monocytogenes virulence-associated gene prfA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5113
SureFast® Listeria Screening PLUS

The SureFast® Listeria Screening PLUS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of a specific DNA sequence of Listeria spp.. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5117
SureFast® Legionella pneumophila PLUS

The test detects Legionella pneumophila DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions F5501
SureFast® Norovirus/Hepatitis A 3plex

The SureFast® Norovirus/Hepatitis A 3plex is a multiplex real-time RT-PCR for the direct qualitative detection and differentiation of norovirus (genogroup I and II) and hepatitis A. The test contains an Internal Control RNA (ICR, consisting of …

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100 reactions F7124
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