'World first' from Neogen
equipment, has developed what it claims is the world's first system
designed to read, store and analyse results from lateral flow
tests.
The Reveal AccuScan System is said to be the only lateral flow test reader available on the market, and provides an easy method to objectively test for Listeria, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, GMOs, mycotoxins, food allergens and ruminant material in animal feed.
Neogen estimates the market for rapid tests of this kind to be worth around $295 million annually.
"Similar to home pregnancy tests, lateral flow tests are extremely popular in the food industry because they are very quick and easy to use," said Ed Bradley, Neogen's vice president of food safety sales and marketing.
"The AccuScan lateral flow reader eliminates the subjectivity that can exist with interpreting the lateral flow devices, and provides a permanent result that can be incorporated into a company's food safety plan, such as HACCP. Quick and easy test results are good. But, permanent, traceable results are often necessary."
The AccuScan system consists of a lateral flow test reader combined with a personal data assistant (PDA), and intuitive data management computer software. By inserting a test device into the reader and activating, the instrument takes a digital photograph of the test strip's results area. The reader then interprets the test's results, and if a line is detected, displays a line weight score. This process eliminates the subjectivity associated with lateral flow test interpretation, and provides an objective, traceable record of the test result, the company claims.
Among the products AccuScan has been engineered to read is Neogen's Reveal for Aflatoxin lateral flow test, which tests for aflatoxin, a known carcinogenic mould toxin of concern in grain.
