Bio-Rad launches kit for detection of hazardous molds in cannabis products

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 molds: Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, and A. terreus, in cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

A number of U.S. states and other countries have moved to legalize cannabis 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 analyzes the results.

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