Q Laboratories has opened a state-of-the-art Food Virus Detection Laboratory at their Cincinnati, Ohio location. Utilizing Real-Time PCR technology, Q Laboratories can test food, water, environmental swabs, and food surface swabs for the presence of Norovirus (GI and GII) and Hepatitis A. The lab was purpose-built specifically for virus detection, involving a three-room dirty to clean directional workflow with sample preparation, RNA extraction, and amplification all separate, and will allow for secure, isolated detection of these common foodborne viruses.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicate Norovirus is a small, yet very infective virus and is the leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States. Both Norovirus and Hepatitis A can be transferred from an infected person handling the food, from a contaminated food contact surface, or exposure to contaminated water, soil, or fertilizer. Contamination can occur during any stage of the food supply chain including growing, harvesting, processing, and distribution.

Virus Detection will be added to the already comprehensive list of microbiology and analytical chemistry laboratory services offered by Q Laboratories including: Rapid Pathogen Detection, Indicator Organism Enumeration, Nutritional Analysis, Raw Material Qualification, Microbial Identification (MALDI-TOF), Challenge Studies, Food Chemistry Analysis and Shelf Life Determination.