Storage and Transport Conditions for Oysters Samples intended for Norovirus analysis
Abstract
Despite the introduction of a standardised real-time PCR method for norovirus (NoV) quantification in Oysters (ISO 15216-1) and an increasing demand for NoV testing, acceptable sample storage and transport conditions have not... [ view full abstract ]
Despite the introduction of a standardised real-time PCR method for norovirus (NoV) quantification in Oysters (ISO 15216-1) and an increasing demand for NoV testing, acceptable sample storage and transport conditions have not been defined. There are several sampling and storage aspects associated with the test method that require validation. In this study we report the impact on NoV concentrations of time temperature combinations representative of sample transport. No impact on NoV concentrations was observed in oysters following storage up to 15⁰C for up to 72 hrs. by contrast data suggests that NoV concentrations were less stable during storage of oysters at 20⁰C. In addition, we studied the impact on NoV concentrations in whole oysters and proteinase K extracts following storage at -20⁰C. Data from these storage conditions indicate that there was no impact on the NoV concentrations in either whole oysters or proteinase K extracts stored at -20⁰C up to 6 months.
Authors
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James Fahy
(Marine Institute)
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Sinead Keaveney
(Marine Institute)
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Bill Dore
(Marine Institute)
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Francis Butler
(UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering)
Topic Areas
Emerging Methods for Virus Identification , New Technology
Session
PS-01 » Wind down - Poster Hangouts and a Beer (or two!) (17:10 - Monday, 15th May, Bailey Allen Hall)