Oxoid launches two-minute bacteria test

Oxoid has launched a test for differentiating types of bacteria found on a solid sample, the company reveals.

Obis campy is a two-test procedure which the manufacturer claims can provide a result in less than two minutes.

It is suitable for identifying campylobacter, helicobacter and arcobacter in samples containing other kinds of bacteria, according to Oxoid.

Senior development scientist Alastair Thomas explains: "Obis campy offers greater confidence in the reporting of campylobacter.

"A negative result can be confirmed within just two minutes and it is simpler to perform than traditional methods such as the gram stain and motility tests."

He adds that the reliability of the result diminishes the likelihood that further testing will be required.

Suspect samples are identified with the addition of a colour developer by virtue of a "strong purple reaction", the company reveals.

The Health Protection Agency cites campylobacter as the single largest cause of infectious intestinal disease in England and Wales.