Laboratory Workflow for a Listeria spp. Sample
When you submit a sample to the laboratory for microbiology testing, what happens to it? Download the infographic below to follow a Listeria spp. sample through the lab workflow.
Here's what happens the a Listeria spp. sample:
1. Enrich sample in growth media for 18-24 hours to grow Listeria to detectable limits.
2. Pull an aliquot of the enrichment and treat it with DNase enzyme to degrade any DNA from dead Listeria that might in the sample.
3. Inactivate DNase enzyme and lyse live Listeria cells in the aliquot to get their DNA.
4. Perform PCR on lysate.
If the PCR is positive:
5. Going back to the original enrichment, pull a new aliquot and plate to PALCAM agar and chromogenic agar.
6. After incubation, examine plates for potential Listeria colonies. Pick 5 suspect colonies and perform confirmation testing on the colonies according to FDA BAM.
8. (OPTIONAL) Once confirmed, perform biochemical testing to identify the Listeria species using validated ID kit, such as API, Microgen, or similar.
Have questions? Ready to get started with microbiology testing? Contact us to learn more about microbiology testing by Eurofins.
