Merck Millipore launches rapid microbial detection system

Merck Millipore has announced the launch of its new EZ-Fluo rapid detection system, for use in fluorescent staining-based microbial detection.

The non-destructive system is able to rapidly detect and quantify contamination in any filterable sample, including raw materials, in-process specimens, final products and environmental samples.

It uses standard membrane filtration to detect viable and culturable microorganisms down to 1 CFU per sample, while reducing the amount of time taken to produce results by approximately two-thirds.

Moreover, because it is non-destructive, the tests allow microorganisms to continue growing after they have been stained, thus allowing them to be verified using any standard identification technology.

Yves Courties, head of bioburden testing product management at Merck Millipore, said: "Unlike traditional methods that require several days to provide results, the EZ-Fluo system enables staff to release product to the market faster and identify issues more rapidly when they do arise."

Earlier this month, the company announced an alliance with Sistemic to develop new technology for identifying control markers for stem cell production.