bioMerieux has announced the launch of GENE-UP®, its new polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic system for the detection of microorganisms (bacteria and viruses). This platform enables the microbiological control of food, raw materials and the production environment for customers in the agri-food sector. It is currently available for laboratories in the United States and plans are underway to introduce it in Europe, Latin America and Asia during the first half of 2016.                    

bioMerieux developed GENE-UP® jointly with BioFire Defense--a U.S. company recognized for its expertise in PCR-based molecular biology systems and acquired by bioMerieux--in January 2014. This innovative solution considerably simplifies lab workflow, improving productivity while limiting the risk of inter-sample contamination.                    

GENE-UP® is simple to use, featuring a flexible system that provides laboratory directors and production teams remote access to lab results, thereby accelerating the decision-making process for batch release waiting to be shipped.

The GENE-UP® platform menu enables the detection of the most commonly tested pathogens in the food chain, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria. This offer will continue to be expanded in the coming months with additional tests designed to meet the specific needs of the various agri-food sectors. The methods used to detect Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 have already received AOAC-RI certification (no. 061504 and 061505), which is recognized in a number of countries, including the United States, as an indication of a technology’s excellent performance.