3M Food Safety announced the launch of its 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 — E. coli O157 (including H7), adding to a line of next-generation tests that also includes salmonella, listeria and Listeria monocytogenes.

Introduced in 2011, the 3M Molecular Detection System is utilized by food processors, laboratories, universities and government agencies in more than 40 countries for accurate and reliable pathogen testing.

The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 kits, enhanced with a proprietary 3M nanotechnology, provide customers with a streamlined workflow that simplifies their pathogen testing. All four assays — for salmonella, listeria, L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157 (including H7) — use a single assay protocol, enabling batch processing of samples and improving efficiency in the laboratory.

Incorporation of a unique color-change indicator provides increased confidence during the process. Compared to first-generation tests, 3M said the assay processing time is 30% faster, and the instrument run time is only one hour for E. coli O157 and salmonella. Combined with short enrichment times — as few as eight hours for raw meat samples — these features give customers flexibility in their testing that allow them to make critical decisions faster.

“We are excited to offer customers overall gains in productivity and speed of detection for salmonella, listeria, L. monocytogenes and now E. coli O157, including the harmful H7 serotype,” said John David, global marketing supervisor with 3M Food Safety. “With the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2, our customers will experience a streamlined protocol with faster processing time versus most commercial foodborne pathogen tests. For existing customers, the transition from the first- to second-generation assays will be seamless; all assays can be run simultaneously using the same compact 3M Molecular Detection Instrument, providing high efficiency and productivity in the laboratory.”

Visit www.3M.com/3MMolecularDetectionSystem/MDA2ECOLI to learn more about the technology, or contact a local 3M Food Safety representative for availability in specific regions.