Specified-Organism Culture Testing
Culture-Based Detection Methods
Evaluate whether a specified microorganism is detected in a defined test portion using a culture workflow selected for the product and decision.
Cora Science supports custom not-detected specifications with test portions from as little as 1 g when the method and matrix are suitable. Common 10 g and 25 g specifications are also available; the selected amount is part of the reported claim and must be defined before testing. The total submitted quantity depends on the required detection limit and selected assay.
Detection Methods
Specified-organism culture methods in one service family
Each entry identifies a target and reference pathway in Cora Science's current scope. The laboratory confirms the exact method revision, test portion, matrix preparation, enrichment, confirmatory approach, and report wording before testing.
USP <62> and USP <2022>
Escherichia coli and Coliforms
Specified-organism culture testing for E. coli or coliform questions under the selected product and test-portion specification. Generic E. coli detection does not identify a pathogenic strain.
USP <62>
Staphylococcus aureus
Culture-based specified-organism testing when product use, formulation, processing, or a customer specification provides a documented reason for the target.
USP <2022>
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Culture-based detection for product applications where P. aeruginosa is an appropriate specified organism. Suitability depends on the matrix and documented product rationale.
USP <62>
Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae
Selective culture testing for the requested target and defined test portion. Salmonella pathogen testing and Enterobacteriaceae indicator questions should be specified separately in the project request.
In-house selective culture method
Listeria monocytogenes
Culture-based detection for L. monocytogenes using the laboratory's scoped selective-media workflow. The product, test portion, and interpretation basis are confirmed before testing.
Other organism-specific, FDA food-method, AOAC, USP, or customer-defined culture requests may be available by technical review. Availability and accreditation status are confirmed for the exact target, method, matrix, and result.
Define The Tested Amount
The test portion is part of the result
Not detected in 1 g, 10 g, and 25 g are different analytical statements. Select the amount from the applicable method, customer specification, product standard, or documented hazard decision.
Custom 1 g specifications
A not-detected specification may be scoped from a 1 g analytical test portion when the selected method and matrix are suitable. A 1 g result is not equivalent to a 10 g or 25 g result.
Common 10 g specifications
AHPA describes 10 g as a generally applicable pathogen test portion while recognizing that the amount can vary with the method. It is a common starting point for botanical ingredient and supplement specifications.
Common 25 g specifications
A 25 g test portion is common in food and customer-defined pathogen programs and can be requested when method and matrix fit are confirmed. The laboratory may need additional submitted material beyond the analytical portion.
Eligible Matrix Families
Confirm method and preparation for the submitted product
The accreditation scope lists broad matrix families. Technical review still determines whether the formulation, product conditions, test portion, and preparation are suitable for the selected target.
Materials and ingredients
Raw materials, extracts, and dietary ingredients within the verified method-and-matrix scope.
Foods and beverages
Food and beverage matrices after review of formulation, processing, hazard context, and method fit.
Finished products
Dietary supplements and cosmetics when the selected detection method and test portion are suitable.
Technical Review
Define the target, test portion, and decision
Share enough product and specification context for the laboratory to confirm the culture workflow, sample quantity, reporting, and accreditation status.
- Exact product, matrix, ingredients, processing, water activity or pH context, and intended use
- Specified organism or group and the reference method requested
- Required result wording and analytical test portion, such as 1 g, 10 g, or 25 g
- Required enrichment, acceptance criterion, decision rule, and any confirmation preference
- Required detection limit, selected assay, sample count, lot or unit sampling plan, and requested deadline
- Target market and any method, report, or accreditation requirement
FAQ
Planning a culture-based detection request
Can I request a not-detected specification in 1 g?
Yes, when the selected culture method and matrix are suitable. The quote and report should state the exact test portion because not detected in 1 g is a different result from not detected in 10 g or 25 g.
Is 10 g or 25 g the universal pathogen test portion?
No. AHPA identifies 10 g as generally applicable while explicitly allowing method-based variation, and 25 g is common in food and customer-defined programs. The selected method, matrix, specification, and decision determine the appropriate amount.
How much sample should I submit?
The required quantity depends on the detection limit or not-detected specification and the selected assay. The laboratory confirms the total submitted amount needed for the test portion, enrichment, included confirmation, and the requested targets during quoting.
Is confirmation included?
Yes. Every method includes confirmation by a parallel or orthogonal approach, such as different selective or differential media, a biochemical assay, or qPCR, as appropriate to the target, matrix, and method.
What turnaround is available?
Standard turnaround is 5 business days. Expedited turnaround as fast as 2 days may be available for a fee; confirm feasibility and timing with the laboratory when requesting the quote.
Does generic E. coli detection establish whether a pathogenic strain is present?
No. Generic E. coli and pathogenic E. coli are different testing questions. If strain- or pathotype-specific testing is needed, identify that requirement during technical review.
Are other organisms or culture methods available?
Other organism-specific, FDA food-method, AOAC, USP, or customer-defined culture requests may be available by technical review. Availability and accreditation status are confirmed for the exact target, method, matrix, and result requested.
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