Hercules, CA — July 8, 2014 — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) today announced that QC Laboratories, an independent food testing laboratory, has selected Bio-Rad’s iQ-Check Prep Automation Solution for detecting foodborne pathogens.
According to Karen Battista, laboratory manager at QC Laboratories, Lean Six Sigma process analysis revealed that Bio-Rad’s pathogen detection method outperformed the methods the laboratory previously used in accuracy, time efficiency, and cost effectiveness. The iQ-Check Prep Automation Solution consists of the iQ-Check Prep System, a liquid handling system that automates sample preparation for real-time PCR, and iQ-Check Real-Time PCR Kits.
Battista said Bio-Rad’s pathogen detection method was highly accurate, with no reported false positives or negatives. In addition, she values that the iQ-Check Prep System can detect whether a sample is present, which prevents misinterpretation of a negative result.
“For instance, if a technician forgets to add a sample, Bio-Rad’s instrument makes this clear,” said Battista. “The system we used before in the laboratory could only indicate a negative result, but it couldn’t say whether this was due to a lack of sample.”
The iQ-Check Prep System’s walk-away automation functionality, which allows significantly less hands-on time with the instrument, was another important consideration.
“Once our technicians start the instrument, they can walk away and do other tasks,” said Battista. “Less hands-on time during sample preparation greatly reduces the opportunity for errors. This was not possible with our previous automation system.”
The laboratory manager also noted the price point and ease of use, which helped make her decision to consolidate the laboratory’s multiple methods to Bio-Rad’s system an easy one.
Of equal importance to the iQ-Check Prep System’s performance, according to Battista, was the considerable support that Bio-Rad provided during the installation and testing process.
“Not only was Bio-Rad’s method superior to our previous system in all facets, Bio-Rad was a true partner and representatives were always there if we needed anything,” said Battista.
Visit www.bio-rad.com/automation to learn more about Bio-Rad’s iQ Check Prep Solution.
About the iQ-Check Prep System
Bio-Rad’s iQ-Check Prep System is designed to optimize the full range of the company’s validated real-time PCR food pathogen detection kits. It enables walk-away automation of DNA extraction and PCR plate set-up, can run up to four different iQ-Check Assays at once, and perform 500 tests in one 8-hour shift. Testing labs can easily incorporate the system into their workflows without disruption.
About QC Laboratories
QCL has provided analytical services to environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and dairy clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland since its establishment in 1943. The company currently employs over 200 professional scientists and support personnel and operates eight facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Life Sciences operations are conducted from a state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot facility in Horsham Pennsylvania. Environmental analysis is conducted from a 35,000 square foot facility in Southampton, Pennsylvania. The Company also operates satellite facilities in Wind Gap and Reading, Pennsylvania; Vineland and East Rutherford, New Jersey, and a limited services environmental laboratory in New Castle, Delaware.
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb) has been at the center of scientific discovery for 60 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer service among university and research institutions, hospitals, public health and commercial laboratories, as well as the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food safety industries. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is based in Hercules, California, and serves more than 100,000 research and industry customers through its global network of operations. The company employs approximately 7,750 people worldwide and had revenues exceeding $2.1 billion in 2013. Visit us at www.bio-rad.com.
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