October 15, 2020, Frederick, MD – A2LA recently granted ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation to MEMP Service Corporation (Molecular Environmental Monitoring Provider). MEMP Service Corp. sought accreditation to this standard as part of the development of their cutting-edge new mobile molecular environmental monitoring services. This mobile biosurveillance solution allows MEMP to deploy an on-site molecular testing laboratory to any location and provide test results in four hours or less for a wide variety of microbial pathogens and other molecular targets. A2LA is glad to have had the opportunity to provide accreditation services to this modern and widely applicable laboratory solution. Accreditation by A2LA affirms a laboratory’s competency and helps build public confidence; it is an important step in the development of this type of innovative laboratory solution.
Through a partnership with Applied Food Diagnostics, MEMP Service Corp. developed and validated the MEMP Listeria Assay and the MEMP Salmonella Assay. This collaboration resulted in features such as reagent shelf stability and a reduced footprint that made it possible for these assays to be performed in MEMP’s mobile laboratories. Earlier this year, both MEMP Listeria and Salmonella assays received certification from the AOAC Research Institute.
The MEMP Service Corp. scope demonstrates conformance with the “AOAC International Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals” and the A2LA R104 – General Requirements: Accreditation of Field Testing and Field Calibration Laboratories. In addition to the AOAC PTM approved MEMP Listeria Assay and MEMP Salmonella Assay, the scope includes these validated assays; Aspergillus, Coliforms, Cronobacter, E. coli O157:H7, Generic E. coli, EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.), STEC (Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli), Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. MEMP Service Corp. is the first of its kind mobile molecular laboratory with this type of accreditation.
“A2LA is proud to accredit MEMP Service Corporation. They are a leader in development and innovation and a prime example of a laboratory that wishes to change the status quo for the better.” Said Chris Gunning, General Manager at A2LA. “The technology that they have developed will allow for faster detection and elimination of contaminants in the food production and related industries. This technology is being accepted by the reputable AOAC organization and we believe this further advances A2LA’s goal of a better world through accreditation.”
About MEMP Service Corporation
MEMP Service Corporation is headquartered in Pennsylvania with regional service centers throughout the United Sates. MEMP’s network of mobilelaboratories is continuously expanding and increasing its routine coverage. The company is currently focusing solutions for the food and beverage industry, but its services and technology have the potential for additional communities including critical infrastructure sectors, wellness, and regulatory agencies. Learn more about MEMP Service Corp’s service options at www.mempservices.com.
About Applied Food Diagnostics, Inc.
Applied Food Diagnostics develops and manufactures sampling and testing products specifically for the food centric sectors. Applied Food Diagnostics offers a comprehensive portfolio of innovative, rapid detection test kits, microbiological products, laboratory and sample collection supplies for food science applications. Their portfolio includes several AOAC PTM Approved pathogen detection kits. Additional information can be found at www.appliedfooddiagnostics.com.
About AOAC INTERNATIONAL
The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI) is a division of AOAC INTERNATIONAL that promotes and conducts activities to help develop, improve, and validate proprietary testing methods. Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) International, is based in Rockville, MD, and is an independent, third-party, nongovernment administrator of the AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM Program. AOAC RI serves diagnostic producers by establishing and maintaining method validation and performance criteria.