Food PT scheme sample instruction sheet

Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli

The final date for return of results is indicated on the accompanying request/report form

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: foodeqa@ukhsa.gov.uk
Results should be returned on-line using the web-based reporting system. Go to: www.phe-eqa.org.uk. You will need your log-in details for this process. Please contact us if you experience problems with the on-line system.

Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli

Scheme – Instruction Sheet

The distribution consists of two LENTICULE® discs in screw-cap plastic vials (with desiccant). The LENTICULE discs require reconstitution by a process of re-hydration and dispersion prior to examination.

The samples contain whole but non-viable STEC organisms and therefore can be handled within a containment level 2 facility wearing the appropriate personal safety equipment.

The STEC organism has been deactivated using a formalin solution. The formalin concentration in the sample is extremely low and should not affect the results obtained with the molecular assays being used.

Refer also to the Safety Data Sheet: Safety data sheet - LENTICULE

Storage:

  • Store the samples at –20 ± 5ºC on receipt.
  • Allow the LENTICULE discs to reach ambient temperature (5 - 10 minutes) before rehydrating in diluent.

Reconstitution:

  • Open the sample container and transfer the LENTICULE disc into 1 mL diluent (e.g. MRD).
  • Leave at ambient temperature for a minimum of 20 minutes to rehydrate.
  • Ensure that the LENTICULE disc has completely rehydrated and disperse the inoculum by inverting approximately 30 times. Please note that on occasions a small artefact may be observed due to the interaction of the formalin with the bovine serum in the sample. Continue to process the samples if this is seen as this will not affect your tests results.

Processing:

  • Each reconstituted sample is equivalent to a 1 mL of enriched sample.
  • Undertake sample examination between 30 - 45 minutes after rehydration.
  • Examine in accordance with your routine procedures from the enrichment stage of the sample process.

Return of Results:

  • Return results to the organisers before the deadline shown on the request/report form.