Revolutionary Bio-Contained, In-House Pathogen Detection System

The CERTUS system for rapid pathogen detection and environmental monitoring was launched at the 2017 International Association for Food Protection annual meeting in Tampa, FL.

This system raises the bar with a unique, bio-contained, in-house solution for pathogen detection for small and mid-size food processing plants. Unmatched in its unique approach to an industry dominated by outsourcing or complicated in-house testing, this system promises to make food safer by providing producers fast, easy and cost-effective ways to detect environmental pathogens in food processing environments and the food itself prior to reaching consumers.

Environmental testing and monitoring are translated into a “simple, safe and smart” process, greatly reducing time and cost by eliminating media preparation, sample preparation, courier expense and the risk of opening an enriched sample in the plant.

Anyone with minimal training can simply swab a surface, add media to the Bio-Lock™ Detection Tube and insert the tube into the detection unit to start getting rapid results during the enrichment cycle. There is no need for centrifuges, incubators, pipettes, stomachers, bags or many of the ancillary items and steps that current methods require.

The patented Grow, Read, Detect™ continuous monitoring process combines enrichment and high-sensitivity detection in a homogenous, no-wash format for real-time monitoring; it eliminates complex workflow; and it enables any food processor to conduct safe and easy on-site testing, receive instant alerts and take action to remediate. The first commercial system will be launched in 2018 for environmental monitoring and prevention of Listeria spp.

GROW: The detection unit features a thermal chamber optimized for growth of the selected pathogen once sealed in the detection tube.

READ: The detection unit deploys surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to monitor pathogen presence and growth.

DETECT: The system accurately detects the target pathogen continuously as enrichment is taking place.

This system contains everything you need for safe, in-house environmental monitoring.

The detection unit’s patented Grow, Read, Detect process provides real-time monitoring with simultaneous enrichment and detection. The control pad provides step-by-step directions, keeps records and sends instant alerts to key stakeholders through email and text. The detection kit includes sampling swabs, detection tubes with pathogen-specific dried reagent particles and pre-measured selective growth media.