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With increasing state-level adoption of medicinal and recreational cannabis legislation across the United States, and federal legalization internationally, a need has emerged for microbial detection of pathogens. Consumers now have access to cannabis edibles and inhalables for consumption prompting a need for strict monitoring of finished goods analogous to those methods adopted in food manufacturing.
Aspergillus, Salmonella and STEC (Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli) bacteria are of particular concern with regard to cannabis products. These bacteria can cause illnesses and infections to users and pose serious risk to those with compromised immune systems. Due to the concerning health impacts relating to pathogen exposure, laboratories are challenged to find effective and efficient screening methods. Bio-Rad has established itself as a global leader in food safety with a portfolio of microbial detection methods that have received accreditations from AOAC and AFNOR. These methods have been successfully adapted to screen cannabis for Aspergillus, Salmonella and STEC.
Microbial Testing

Microbial Testing with PCR: iQ-Check Real-Time PCR Kits
The Bio-Rad iQ-Check Solution takes full advantage of real-time PCR to provide a fast and reliable method for cannabis pathogen testing.
The iQ-Check Kits are based on gene amplification and detection by the use of real-time PCR. Ready-to-use PCR reagents contain everything needed to detect targeted pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity.
The iQ-Design Aspergillus Identification assay serves as an optional tool to further speciate Aspergillus positive samples to comply with state regulations. With overall low presumptive positive rates, this solution delivers significant cost savings to your lab by allowing you to screen out negative samples first. Click here to calculate savings.
iQ-Check Free DNA Removal Solution (FDRS) can easily be integrated into iQ-Check DNA extraction workflows, providing an ideal way to remove free DNA from your samples prior to PCR analysis.
iQ-Check Purification Reagent improves efficiency of the iQ-Check Real-Time PCR Kit by removing inhibition from challenging matrices containing high levels of polyphenols.
Key Benefits
- Faster results with a single enrichment and next day results
- Easy to use thanks to a simple DNA extraction and ready-to-use reagents
- Harmonized enrichment protocols for Salmonella/STEC
- Increase efficiency with an open instrument platform and run parallel with other iQ-Check Tests
- Reduce risks thanks to positive and negative PCR controls and Internal inhibition control
As molecular methods for pathogen detection continue to improve, emerging pathogens are being described around the world in molecular terms. The use of real-time PCR methods has the benefit of automation, high sensitivity, high precision, and accuracy, plus the flexibility to simultaneously test for more than one pathogen. Bio-Rad's testing solutions undergo both internal and external validations and certifications including AOAC, AFNOR, NordVal, Health Canada, Nesval, Coca-Cola, and others.
PCR Automation
The iQ-Check Prep PCR Automation Solution is dedicated to running the complete range of iQ-Check PCR Test Kits for food pathogen detection on Bio-Rad's CFX96 Deep Well Real-Time PCR Detection System, providing a powerful solution for your high-throughput food testing lab.
Microbial Testing with RAPID'Chromogenic Media
RAPID'Chromogenic Media are a complete range of highly selective chromogenic media designed to detect and enumerate a variety of microorganisms in cannabis samples. They offer economical, labor-saving protocols and provide a shorter time to results than classical methods. In addition, the combination of the selected chromogenic mixture and high-quality raw material allows a high level of contrast, high selectivity, and high sensitivity, making the plates easy to read.
Applications
- Detection or enumeration protocol
- Easy to use
- Economical solutions
- Easy-to-read chromogenic reaction
Also available are standard media for
quality indicators.
iQ-Check Real-Time PCR Solution: A Simple Four-Step Protocol
This flexible and robust protocol fits seamlessly any analytical lab workflow to reach the best productivity: from low to high throughput testing, with ease of use and a unique user interface, get efficient sample status interpretation.
Validations

Within the scope of international validation authorities, the performance of our methods are verified by third party laboratories following strict guidelines demonstrating their optimal accuracy and quality. AOAC has launched the Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP) to identify priority analytical needs and provide solutions for regulators, industry, and consumers by developing globally accepted consensus-based standards and testing methods for hemp, cannabis, and cannabis-related ingredients/products.
iQ-Check PRC Methods |
NF Validation by AFNOR Certification |
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Aspergillus*** | ✓ | |||
Enterobacteriaceae | ✓ | |||
E.coli O157:H7 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Listeria monocytogenes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Salmonella spp. | ✓ | OMA** | ✓ | ✓ |
STEC virulence genes* | ✓ | |||
STEC 7 major O-groups* | ✓ | |||
Chromogenic Media | ||||
RAPID'Enterobacteriaceae | ✓ | |||
RAPID'E.coli 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
RAPID'E.coli O157:H7 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
RAPID'L.mono | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
RAPID'Salmonella | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
* USDA No Objection Letter
** Official Method of Analysis First Action, 2017.06
*** Aspergillus speciation kits available
Resources
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Cannabis and Hemp Microbial Testing Brochure
(PDF 1.4 MB)Cannabis microbial testing
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iQ-Check Real-Time PCR Solution Brochure
(PDF 3 MB)Real-time PCR methods for the detection of food and environmental pathogens
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RAPID'Chromogenic Media Brochure
(PDF 1.9 MB)Culture media for detection and enumeration of food and environmental pathogens and quality indicators
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Application Note
(PDF 856 KB)Evaluation of an Alternative Chromogenic Agar Plating Method for Detection and Confirmation of Salmonella in Cannabis
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Scientific Poster
(PDF 786 KB)Validation of single sample enrichment for microbial detection of Salmonella spp./STEC in cannabis products using real-time PCR
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Microbiology and the Cannabis Industry, is your Cannabis Testing Method Truly Validated?
(PDF 390 KB)The objective of this report is to discuss flaws in validation designs, and provide guidance on improving study designs for future validations.
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Scientific Poster
(PDF 1.01 MB)Development of a Rapid Alternative Method for Detection of Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. terreus in Cannabis Products Using Real-Time PCR
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Quick Guide
(PDF 1.11 MB)Harmonized Enrichment and Easy I Deep Well Extraction Protocol for Cannabis
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Scientific Poster
(PDF 648 KB)Enhancing Aspergillus Enrichment in a qPCR Workflow
Testimonials
What is it like Being a Bio-Rad Customer in the Cannabis Industry?
Alex Tudor gives her feedback and tells you what her laboratory has gained while working with Bio-Rad's products. She also describes, in her own words, her relationship with Bio-Rad's sales team.
Customer Interview
Meeting the Need for Accurate Cannabis Microbial Testing
(Article from Food Safety Magazine, PDF 280 KB)
Cannabis is increasingly becoming legal at the state level in the U.S., for medical or recreational use. A central question is how to ensure the safety of a new product that is not covered under any existing federal safety guidelines. Read how Bio-Rad partnered with CW Analytical to serve the cannabis industry.