Bio-Rad launches iQ-Check Aspergillus Real-Time PCR kit

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc has announced the launch of the iQ-Check Aspergillus Real-Time PCR Kit, a fast and accurate method for detecting four potentially hazardous moulds: Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, and A. terreus, in cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

A number of US states and other countries have moved to legalise marijuana in recent years, opening the door to new medicinal and recreational markets. Depending on the jurisdiction, companies selling cannabis-derived products may need to comply with pathogen testing to protect consumers from harmful microorganisms, including Aspergillus spp. Inhaling hazardous Aspergillus spores may worsen asthma or lead to aspergillosis, a group of diseases that are particularly dangerous to people with a weakened immune system, damaged lungs or certain allergies.

Some states, including Nevada, Alaska, and California, have implemented obligatory Aspergillus spp. testing of cannabis products to protect consumers. Labs in other states, including Colorado and Massachusetts, have begun performing these tests in anticipation of changing regulations.

The iQ-Check Aspergillus Kit can simultaneously detect the presence of the four hazardous Aspergillus species. The fast and accurate test uses a simple workflow that includes gene amplification and real-time PCR detection. After enrichment and DNA extraction, the test harnesses the sensitivity and specificity of Bio-Rad’s PCR technology to perform real-time PCR. Bio-Rad’s CFX Manager IDE Software then automatically generates and analyses the results.

To learn more about the iQ-Check Aspergillus kit, visit bio-rad.com/iqcheck or the Cannabis Application page.