Alcami (the new name for the combined AAIPharma Services and Cambridge Major Laboratories), a provider of custom development and manufacturing services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, plans to expand service capabilities at its sites in Charleston, South Carolina, Edison, New Jersey, St. Louis, Missouri, and Wilmington, North Carolina to offer identification of microorganisms using the MicroSEQ library and an Applied Biosystems/Hitachi 3500 Genetic Analyzer. This system is capable of successfully identifying microorganisms to the species level.

The MicroSEQ Rapid Microbial Identification System uses a phylogenetic approach for microbial identification based on the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria or the D2 region of the large subunit for fungi. Its validated bacterial and fungal libraries include over 3,100 entries. The system is for environmental monitoring, contamination investigation, root cause analysis, and raw material testing. Genotypic methods are especially valuable for investigations of failures (sterility test; media-fill contamination), according to the company.

Alcami sites began accepting identifications April 1, 2016 and offer turnaround time and commercial offerings that will include a phenotypic evaluation when applicable and a genetic evaluation through Gram Stain and rapid identification using the MicroSEQ.

Source: Alcami