Audits are a fact of life for ISO 17025 food laboratories. Being prepared for an audit is important, but you may not know exactly what auditors are looking for when they review your microbial QC practices. We’ve compiled a list…
Read more
Dear Stanley, I’m having a tough time keeping my stock culture of Campylobacter viable. Do you have any tips for maintaining a stock culture of fastidious microorganisms like Campylobacter? Sincerely, Jordan from Mankato, MN Dear Jordan, Maintaining fastidious microorganisms, such…
Read more
The growth promotion test (GPT) can be a hassle, but it’s necessary for determining if a new batch of media is acceptable. Follow our best practices below to make your testing process as smooth as possible when using Microbiologics products…
Read more
Dear Stanley, I use EZ-Accu Shot™ for growth promotion testing (GPT), and sometimes I don’t get counts within 50-200% of the count printed on the label. Is there something wrong with my media or the control? Sincerely, Beverly Fresno, CA…
Read more
Proper maintenance of quality control strains is essential for ensuring acceptable performance. Most strains produced by Microbiologics can be used for up to a month after reconstitution when correctly maintained. Follow these best practices and our maintenance plan below to…
Read more
In a world where antibiotic resistant organisms are on the rise, including multi-drug resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae, it’s more important than ever for clinicians and healthcare providers to provide proper and timely treatment for infections. Complex interactions exist between…
Read more
Dear Stanley, I want to make sure I’m using the right atmosphere to get good growth of my microorganisms. Can you explain the differences between aerobic, anaerobic, microaerophilic, and capnophilic atmospheres for microorganism growth? Beth from Salt Lake City, UT Dear…
Read more
The global spread of antibiotic resistant sexually transmitted diseases (STD) has received increased attention over the past several years from health institutes including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These organizations are…
Read more
The ongoing Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to romaine lettuce grown in the Yuma, Arizona, region has captured the attention of food manufacturers, retailers, and consumers throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),…
Read more
The water testing laboratory is the last line of defense against water-borne infections. Accurate results are critical to consumer safety. A robust Quality Assurance/Quality Control program will give the laboratory confidence in its results. Laboratories need reliable positive and negative…
Read more