AWWA WQTC65750

The BeadRetriever™ is an automated immuno-magnetic separation (AIMS) instrument used in food and environmental microbiology for E. coli 0157, Legionella, Salmonella and Listeria detection and concentration. Current validated methods for the isolation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in both the U.S. (US Environmental Protection Agency Method 1622/1623) and the United Kingdom (UK DETR Water Supply Regulation 2000 SI No. 3184 [England] and 2001 SI No. 3911 [Wales]) include the use of Dynabeads® and SL® Buffer reagents. The current IMS method involves high analyst handling and processing time and processes 10ml water concentrate samples. The AIMS protocol will process 3ml concentrate samples resulting in the sample being 3.3X more concentrated. The objective of this study was to optimize the use of the BeadRetriever™ system to perform the IMS process using the same Dynabeads® and SL® Buffer reagents, and produce equivalent results in the capture and detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Includes tables, figures.