Rapid detection assays for food and water

Catch up with many of the latest developments in rapid analytical methods in food and water microbiology and chemistry

The last 10 years has seen a huge proliferation in the numbers and types of 'rapid methods' for the analysis of food and water. These range from adaptations and improvements to conventional methods through to completely novel approaches, some of which have now become standard. This book contains the papers presented at an international conference (Developments in Rapid Diagnostic Methods held in April 1999) to take stock of these developments. Covering both microbiological and chemical analysis of food and water, the techniques employed range from highly efficient concentration and sample preparation methods through to end detection techniques as diverse as microscopy, biosensors, colorimetry, immunoassay, and DNA (molecular) methods.

The papers are grouped by the following themes:

• Rapid methods in water microbiology (9 papers) - from PCR for viruses to improved concentration of Cryptosporidium and molecular detection of bacterial pathogens
• Rapid methods in water chemistry (9 papers) - from current test kits to on-line spectroscopy and biosensors
• Rapid methods in food microbiology (10 papers) - from sample preparation and enrichment through immunoassays and phage systems to validation and accreditation
• Rapid methods in food chemistry (10 papers) - from biosensors and immunoassay kits for contaminants through DNA testing for authenticity and GMOs to the role of proficiency testing
• Subject index - for quick cross-referencing of topics covered in the different papers

Hard cover - 242 pages