NoV/HAV detection is still difficult and hampered by several limitations. Unlike most foodborne bacteria, viruses cannot grow in the environment since they need specific host cells to replicate. In general, the strategy for detection of foodborne viruses in food samples consists of 3 steps:

1. virus extraction,
2. purification of the viral genomic material and
3. molecular detection.

In March 2013, the ISO published Technical Specification 15216, describing a quantitative and qualitative horizontal method for determination of HAV and NoV in food using RT-qPCR (ISO/TS 15216:1-2). This method is applied for qualitative detection of Norovirus genogroups I (GI) and II (GII), and Hepatitis A from test samples of fresh produce, following liberation of viruses from the test sample. Viral RNA is then extracted by lysis using virus preparation kit. Target sequences within the viral RNA are amplified and detected by real-time RT-PCR.

Our detection procedure is optimized for a real-time PCR instrument with FAM (detection of norovirus GII, HAV), HEX (detection of norovirus GI), and ROX (detection of Process Control). Target sequences within the viral RNA are amplified in one-step real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for the simultaneous, qualitative detection of HAV and detection/differentiation of Norovirus of the genogroup I and II.

Don't hesitate to contact us if additional information is needed on above listed methods or methods not specifically mentioned above.