SGS introduces fast, accurate genotypic microorganism identification offering at its Chicago, IL facility

FDA guidance states that genotypic methods have been demonstrated to be more accurate and precise than traditional biochemical and phenotypic methods.

The FDA’s 2004 guidance, “Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing – Current Good Manufacturing Practice,” states that genotypic methods have been demonstrated to be more accurate and precise than traditional biochemical and phenotypic methods, including fatty acid based analysis. With the installation and validation of the new Genotypic DNA sequencing MicroSeq ID system, SGS clients will be able to minimize transit delays by consolidating their testing requirements through a single laboratory, rapidly obtaining identification of bacterial and fungal isolates, and facilitating a rapid response to the investigation of contamination.

“The accurate and speedy identification of bacteria and fungi using a built in library will assist our clients with investigations related to sterility contamination, media fill study failures, product bioburden testing, raw material testing and environmental monitoring excursions,” commented Mark Rogers, Vice President for Life Sciences, SGS USA. He added, “We will be able to build custom libraries for our clients so that they can identify and track specific microorganisms quickly and efficiently.”

The investment at SGS’s Chicago site follows recent microbiological testing expansions at the company’s Villeneuve La Garenne, France facility, which provides services to address the growing biopharmaceutical pipeline with capabilities for mycoplasma tests and amino acid analysis, and in Shanghai, China, where a highly active compound laboratory, designed to test products such as antibodies and hormones, is located.