Establishing DNA-based Standard For Mold Testing And Indoor Air Quality Analysis

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Ear, Nose and Throat;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Genetics
Article Date: 22 Apr 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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The Chiodo Companies, Inc. announced today a strategic partnership with Roche Diagnostics aimed at setting and advancing a DNA-based standard for mold detection. The partnership encompasses a joint marketing effort and the co-development of new and customized solutions targeted at both the commercial and end user markets.

Effective immediately, Clean Air Labs, The Chiodo Companies' R&D and analysis laboratory, will move its real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis to the Roche Diagnostics platform. Clean Air Inspections, the environmental consulting arm of The Chiodo Companies, Inc, will continue working with its clients to transition from spore-trap sampling, to a sampling methodology better suited for DNA analysis.

DNA-based mold detection using quantitative real-time PCR has been shown to be superior to the widely used spore trap methodology. This DNA-PCR method, developed and patented by scientists at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), provides a rapid, simple and standardized alternative for mold analysis that can reduce uncertainties in interpretation of results. The recently licensed EPA assay utilizes a panel of unique genetic markers from key species of molds associated with water intrusion, that are of particular importance to building owners and occupants. Each DNA sample tested by Clean Air Labs will be screened for these genetic markers to provide a more complete picture of mold contamination present. Commercial availability of the Roche EMRI qPCR Mold Detection Kit helps provide an objective and standardized result that will allow inspectors to provide highly informed recommendations to clients.

"We are acutely aware of the inferiority of spore-trap analysis and the direct benefits of DNA analysis utilizing real-time PCR," said Ed Sobek, PhD, Chief Scientist of The Chiodo Companies. "With the recent licensing by the EPA of Clean Air Lab to utilize real-time PCR analysis for DNA testing and our partnership with Roche Diagnostics, The Chiodo Companies continues to be at the forefront of new developments in the industry. This partnership will enable our two companies to drive the movement of the entire industry to this platform by ensuring lower cost of analysis, better results and the ability to better understand how molds impact human health."

"At Roche Diagnostics we are committed to leveraging our diagnostic technologies and expertise to bring more accurate and efficient solutions to the field of environmental testing," said Oliver Strobel, Director of New Business Development at Roche Diagnostics Applied Science. "The release of our EMRI Kit is an exciting example of that commitment, and our strategic relationship with The Chiodo Companies is an important step in our plans to bring future integrated workflow solutions to this market."

About The Chiodo Companies, Inc

The Chiodo Companies, Inc. is a diversified family of corporations, with interests in Biotechnology, Indoor Air Quality and Infrared Thermography. Its Clean Air Labs subsidiary focuses on research and development of customized biotechnology solutions for the indoor air quality market. Through Clean Air Inspections and Infrared Consultants subsidiaries, The Chiodo Companies, Inc. provides clients with indoor air environmental, building science and non-destructive consulting services.

For more information, go to www.thechiodocompanies.com or contact Vojkan Dimitrijevic at (239) 333-3500 or vojkand@thechiodocompanies.com.

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