Lateral Flow Tests for Immunological Detection in Food and Environmental Samples

Lateral flow tests are immunoassays for detecting food pathogens with the ultimate convenience. Covering the major pathogens, the tests act as mini-laboratories and include a built-in control reaction for optimized pathogen testing. Definitive results are delivered in as little as 20 minutes.

Principle of the lateral flow test for food pathogen detection

Immunoassays are designed for the detection of pathogens (including Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, etc.) in food samples and on environmental surfaces. Each device is a self-contained test that requires only the addition of sample, making it an extremely simple and user-friendly method for low to medium volume labs.

Once added to the test device, samples are combined with gold-colloid particles coated with capture antibodies specific to the target antigen and drawn across a nitrocellulose membrane via capillary action. If the target antigen is present in the sample, it is captured and bound to the colored particles. The particles continue across the membrane encountering a test line containing antibodies specific to the target antigen followed by a control line containing antibodies specific to the capture antigen coated to the colored particles. If present, the target antigen and its associated particles will become bound to the test line antibodies to form a visually apparent line. The remaining particles will continue to the control line antibodies to form a visually apparent line verifying that the test device worked correctly.

Benefits of lateral flow tests for detection of food pathogens

• Reliable: same accuracy standards as classical detection methods
• Comprehensive: tests cover the most relevant food pathogens – Salmonella, Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli 0157, Campylobacter
• Fast: definitive results within 20 - 30 minutes
• Easy-to-use: clear yes/no results after simple sample application
• Safe: additional positive control and specially adapted enrichment media for precise, reliable results
• Economic: Rapid results save operating costs by speeding up product release while ensuring product reliability

Lateral flow tests for food and environmental pathogen detection

VIP^® Gold single-step visual lateral flow immunoassay test

Singlepath^® single-step visual lateral flow immunoassay test