Pathatrix

Pathatrix is a high volume recirculating immuno magnetic-capture system developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific (and supplier parts by Life Technologies) for the detection of pathogens in food and environmental samples.

History
Pathatrix and its Pathatrix Recirculating Immunomagnetic Separation System (RIMS) was used in 2006 to detect the E. coli O157:H7 strain in contaminated spinach using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Pathatrix system is used by regulatory agencies and food companies around the world as a reliable method for detecting pathogens in food.

Unlike other detection methods, Pathatrix allows the entire pre-enriched sample or large pooled samples to be recirculated over antibody-coated paramagnetic beads. It can specifically isolate pathogens directly from food samples and in conjunction with quantitative PCR can provide results within hours. It is also used to improve the performance of other rapid methods such as PCR, lateral flow, ELISA and chromogenic media by reducing or eliminating the need for lengthy pre-enrichment and/or selective enrichment steps. The Pathatrix is useful in pathogen labs that would be running food samples and looking for foodborne diseases.

The Pathatrix is a rapid test method and Pathatrix pooling allows the screening of large numbers of food samples in a highly cost-effective way for specific pathogens such as E. coli O157, Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes.

The Pathatrix will selectively bind and purify the target organism from a comprehensive range of complex food matrices (including raw ground beef, chocolate, peanut butter, leafy greens, spinach, tomatoes). The Pathatrix is a microbial detection system that allows for the entire sample to be analyzed.