Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate three rapid pathogen detection systems and compare their total time to result for the detection of Listeria spp. in environmental samples. The following systems were compared: the DuPont™ BAX® System, the BioRad iQ-Check™, and the 3M™ Molecular Detection System.
Methods: The three systems were compared by a Canadian third-party accredited laboratory, following each system’s specific method as published in the Canadian Compendium of Analytical Methods (MFLP-15 for BAX, MFLP-39 for iQ-Check, and MFLP-05 for the 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay Listeria). The steps in each method were grouped into five categories: media preparation, sample preparation and enrichment, software setup and lysis, assay setup, and instrument run time. Uninoculated sponges were tested on each method by the same analyst and times were recorded for each step. ANOVA analysis was used to determine significant differences.
Results: 20 runs of 50 samples were conducted for each system, totaling 1000 individual samples. The BAX method was shown to be 25 hours slower for total time-to-result than either the 3M Molecular Detection Assay Listeria or iQ-Check methods. The 3M Molecular Detection Assay Listeria was approximately 28 minutes faster than the iQ-Check for total time-to-result.
Significance: Time-to-result is an important factor to consider when choosing a rapid pathogen detection system. In a study conducted by a third-party laboratory, the 3M Molecular Detection Assay Listeria was shown to have a faster time-to-result than other Health Canada approved Listeria spp. methods