The detection and quantification methods that usually are used in microbiology are based on phenotypic characters, and amongst these the isolation in culture, the immunological tests and the study of metabolic characteristics emphasize.

In spite of its multiple advantages, these kinds of methodologies present a series of disadvantages, amongst these emphasize:

• Very long time to obtain results
• Viable non-cultivable cells are not detected
• Low specificity
• In many cases ambiguous results

The molecular biology development and in particular the nucleic acid amplification technique by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has transformed all the science fields in which nucleic acids is worked with and of course in microbiological diagnosis.
The PCR technique appears as a very effective alternative, opposite to the conventional methods, since it is characterized for:

• Extremely fast
• Highly sensitive and specific
• It allows the cellular quantification
• It allows to distinguish between viable and dead cells

The main difficulty that quality control laboratories find in the implementation of the molecular diagnosis techniques is the accomplishment of the correct design and validation of the detection systems.

For this reason a line of molecular diagnosis express kits has been developed to make easier their regular use in the laboratory.

LABAQUA offers the following solutions:

1.      Kit for detection and/or quantification of microorganisms by means of PCR (quantitative and conventional PCR of legionella, and bacterial confirmation for several microorganisms).
2.      Sample preparation kits to perform legionella by means of PCR (concentration kits, DNA extraction kits for potable and waste waters).
3.      Quantitative reference material for legionella pneumophila (BACuanti-DNA and BACuanti-PCR).

All these kits and reference materials are extremely simple to use and can be used by an analyst without a wide knowledge in molecular biology. They are provided with instructions and a fast user guide.

All kits are manufactured under strict quality norms that assure it’s working, and results according to the product specifications. The selling of these materials is made through ielab, company engaged in the delivery of services and products for the application of quality in testing laboratories. For further information please go to www.ielab.es.