Press Releases Archives
Bacterial resistance is futile - Lab M’s Captivate enhances immunomagnetic separation
6 March 2009
Lab M’s innovative Captivate™ immunomagnetic separation (IMS) products accelerate bacterial isolation from food and environmental samples. The antibody-coated microscopic paramagnetic beads enhance a range of microbiological processes, reducing the need for traditional enrichment procedures. In addition to its ready-made Captivate™ range for E. coli serotypes and Salmonella isolation, Lab M provides a custom coating service.
Lab M - Listeria enrichment for traditional culture and ELISA procedures
19 February 2009
According to the UK’s Food Standards Agency (www.food.gov.uk), since 2000 the reported number of illnesses from listeria in the UK has doubled, particularly in people over 60 years of age. Consequently its isolation and identification remains of prime concern, especially in the production of chilled food.
Lab M’s Harlequin™ chromogenic media for Listeria isolation
5 February 2009
Lab M’s Harlequin chromogenic range includes microbiological culture media for the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes. Amongst other applications, Harlequin™ Listeria Chromogenic Agar is an effective addition to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) monitoring within the food industry. Lab M’s chromogenic media deliver a rapid, accurate means of isolating and enumerating organisms through the detection of specific enzyme activities, reducing the need for subculture and confirmatory biochemical tests.
Lab M broth lights up E. coli in milk
22 January 2009
With routine testing of milk and milk products vital to ensuring consumer safety and product quality, detecting potential pathogens as quickly and easily as possible is of paramount importance. The ability to enumerate presumptive E. coli from presumptive coliforms, for instance, rapidly flags up any contamination problems. Lab M’s Modified Lauryl Sulphate Tryptose Broth with MUG & Tryptophan (ISO) is designed specifically for this purpose, enabling the presumptive enumeration of Escherichia coli from milk and milk products using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique according to ISO 11866-1:2005.
Staphylococcus aureus isolation with Lab M Baird-Parker medium
8 January 2009
Lab M’s Baird-Parker Medium (ISO) is designed for the isolation of coagulase-positive staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus, from food and animal feedstuffs. The medium is one of the company’s range of microbiological culture media developed to meet specific ISO requirements in the food industry.
Lab M continues to expand distributor network
8 December 2008
The international reach of Lab M’s microbiological culture media business was reflected in an increased number of visitors to their stand at this November’s Medica exhibition.
New Lab M ‘minicat’ focuses on Cronobacter sakazakii
20 November 2008
The latest in Lab M’s series of mini-catalogues, which bring news and developments on topical issues, focuses on Cronobacter sakazakii. The main article examines the significance of this important organism and introduces new media for its isolation and identification.
Lab M media on show at ArabLab
See Lab M on stand No. 621
26 November 2008
Microbiology culture media from UK-based Lab M will be on show in Dubai next year when the company exhibits on Stand Number 621 as a guest of Global Scientific Trading LLC, its distributor for the United Arab Emirates. The Global Scientific Trading stand will also feature products from Biohit, Carlo Erba Reagenti and Faster S.r.l.
Lab M installs a Gericke cone mill
4 November 2008
As specialists in the development and production of microbiological culture media, Lab M had a very particular list of requirements when they chose to increase production capacity with an additional grinding mill. The GCN-150 Cone Mill (Gericke Ltd.) was Lab M’s system of choice. Following a highly successful installation and initial trial period hosted by Gericke’s expert team of engineers, Lab M was quickly able to bring the mill into full operation in February this year.
Lab M’s ‘one-stop sakazakii shop’ launches at Medica
17 October 2008
For microbiology culture media specialist Lab M, Medica 2008 will see the international launch of a new range of media for Cronobacter sakazakii isolation and identification. Formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, this largely environmental organism has been associated with serious infections in newborns fed on infant formula milk. Lab M’s range of three media, which includes both broth and chromogenics, is designed to meet the various testing regimes of different laboratories, providing a ‘one-stop sakazakii shop’.
Lab M instigates cultural exchange in Budapest
23 October 2008
Microbiology specialist Lab M and Forr Labs, the company’s distributor for Hungary, recently co-hosted a highly successful microbiology workshop held in Budapest. The workshop, which took place on 11 September 2008, is part of an initiative to forge closer bonds between the needs of the customer and the resource and capability of Lab M. As a result of the event, Lab M was able to connect and exchange ideas with more than 40 representatives from Budapest laboratories.
Lab M’s Listeria range supports food safety
10 October 2008
The current Listeriosis outbreak in Canada is a stark reminder of the high fatality rate associated with this rare food-borne infection. The incident highlights the need for vigilance in the food industry, demonstrating that even the most stringent food preparation safety protocols can be breached. Microbiological diagnostic specialist Lab M provides a range of culture media designed specifically for the enrichment and isolation of Listeria species from food. The range covers FDA, ISO 11290 and USDA requirements and features Harlequin chromogenic media, a highly selective, state-of-the-art detection and presumptive identification system.
Lab M launches new media for Cronobacter sakazakii isolation
23 September 2008
Microbiology specialist Lab M is launching the first product in its new range of dehydrated culture media for the isolation of Cronobacter sakazakii. Formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, this largely environmental organism has been associated with serious infections in newborns fed on infant formula milk. Lab M’s range will include both broth and chromogenic media, and is designed to meet the various testing regimes of different laboratories.
New medium for presumptive E. coli enumeration in milk
5 September 2008
Lab M’s new Modified Lauryl Sulphate Tryptose Broth with MUG & Tryptophan (ISO) is designed for the presumptive enumeration of Escherichia coli from milk and milk products using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique according to ISO 11866-1:2005. The key to E. coli enumeration is the addition of 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide (MUG) to the standard Lauryl Tryptose broth formulation.
Lab M culture media for Clostridium difficile
21 August 2008
New data show that England and Wales have experienced a sustained increase in the number of death certificates mentioning Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) in recent years, including a dramatic 72% increase from 2005 to 2006 (Office for National Statistics, May 2008). C. difficile is one of the major causes of hospital-acquired infections. At any one time, over 1.4 million people worldwide are suffering from infections acquired in hospital*. Lab M’s Brazier CCEY agar, which is based on the market leading Fastidious Anaerobe Agar, provides rapid and reliable detection of this disease-causing bacterium.
Lab M offers specific media solutions for brewing
7 August 2008
Lab M’s brewing industry range includes microbiological culture media for the accurate, fast, reliable detection and isolation of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces wild yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and a variety of other micro-organisms important in brewing processes. The range, which comprises industry-specific, high quality dehydrated culture media, provides a complete microbiology solution for the modern brewing laboratory.
Convenient results summary for Lab M’s SMART QA Proficiency Testing Scheme
18 July 2008
The new annual results summary provided to participants in Lab M’s SMART QA Proficiency Testing Scheme for the food industry summarises a participating laboratory’s activities for one calendar year in a single page report. Offering a realistic yet concise overview of the lab’s methods and proficiencies, the review is informative and easy to understand.
Lab M welcomes new distributors to worldwide team
10 July 2008
In the past six months microbiological culture media specialist Lab M has added ten new distributors to its team, across Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Far East, Asia and the Middle East. The move reflects the company’s continuing development of its overseas business, under the guidance of export sales manager Colin LeGood who joined Lab M last year.
Legionella isolation medium used for water samples
3rd July 2008
Legionella-related deaths continue to hit the headlines around the world, with recent cases linked variously to shower heads, hot tubs and cooling waters. With water monitoring playing an important role in controlling legionella, Lab M’s BCYE (buffered charcoal yeast extract) Legionella Isolation Medium is finding increasing application.
Colourful theme for new Lab M ‘Mini-cat’
23 June 2008
The new issue of Lab M’s ‘mini-catalogue’ focuses on ‘microbiology in colour’ with a review of the transforming effects of chromogenic culture media and highlights from Lab M’s leading Harlequin™ chromogenic range.
Campylobacter culture from Lab M
9 June 2008
According to the UK’s Food Standards Agency cases of the top two food poisoning bugs, salmonella and campylobacter are set to soar to more than 120,000 in just 3 months over the summer.
Primarily associated with undercooked meat and poultry, Campylobacter infection is characterised by severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli are the two main pathogens responsible for Campylobacter enteritis, and early diagnosis by culture and isolation can enhance clinical investigation and epidemiological studies.
Rapid Salmonella detection with MSRV medium from Lab M
23 May 2008
Capable of detecting Salmonella species within 24 hours, Modified Semi-solid Rappaport Vassiliadis (MSRV) medium is one of a range of products from Lab M devoted to the detection and isolation of these organisms.
S. aureus isolation with Lab M Baird-Parker medium
9 May 2008
Lab M’s Baird-Parker Medium (ISO) is one of the company’s range of microbiological culture media developed to meet specific ISO requirements in the food industry. Intended for the isolation of coagulase-positive staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus, from food and animal feedstuffs, the medium is formulated according to ISO 6888-1:1999. It is in compliance with ISO 6888-2:1999 and 6888-3: 2003 and is tested in accordance with ISO/TS 11133-2:2003(E).
Lab M media for Clostridium perfringens enumeration and identification
17 April 2008
In the news recently as a contaminant in one community’s water supply in Ireland, Clostridium perfringens is widely distributed in the environment and is part of the normal flora in human and animal intestines.
Microbiology in Colour
25 March 2008
Developed to improve the isolation and identification of a variety of micro-organisms, Lab M’s Harlequin™ chromogenic media can help eliminate or reduce the need for subculture and confirmatory biochemical tests.
Lab M extends SMART QA Proficiency Testing Scheme for food industry to labs outside the UK
25 February 2008
Microbiology culture media specialist Lab M is making its SMART QA Proficiency Testing Scheme for the food industry available for the first time to customers outside the UK.
On the road with Lab M!
7 February 2008
Attracting particular attention on the Lab M stand at the recent SfAM Winter Meeting (8 Jan 08, London, UK) on ‘Quality assurance in microbiology and alcoholic beverages’, were SMART QA and ISO compliant dehydrated culture media.
New laboratory at Noon Products relies on Lab M culture media
1 February 2008
Well known for its ready-prepared chilled and frozen Indian, Thai and other regional dishes, Noon Products last year opened spacious new laboratories at its production plant in Southall, UK. The laboratories house both chemistry and microbiology testing and serve the company’s four production facilities as well as other parts of the Kerry Foods group to which it now belongs. The first microbiology facility was established at Noon Products in 1992, and the lab has always used dehydrated culture media from Lab M for the majority of its procedures, a situation that is set to continue with the move to new premises.
BLEBPLUS a key product in Lab M’s Listeria range
4 January 2008
Lab M’s range of microbiological culture media for the enrichment and isolation of Listeria species from food samples covers the requirements of FDA, ISO 11290 and USDA methods. Key products, including Buffered Listeria Enrichment Broth,PLUS, are available in a complete blend format, omitting the need for additional supplementation.
Export Sales Manager joins Lab M team
11 December 2007
Microbiology culture media specialist Lab M has appointed Colin LeGood in the role of Export Sales Manager, as the company continues the development of its business world wide.
Lab M launches ISO Nutrient Agar
28 September 2007
Lab M is launching Nutrient Agar (ISO), the latest in its range of dehydrated culture media designed to meet specific ISO requirements in the food industry.
Lab M showcases wide range of DCM at Medica 2007
31st August 2007
UK-based microbiology specialist Lab M will exhibit from the company’s range of dehydrated culture media at Medica 2007 (14-17 November 2007; Düsseldorf, Germany).
Lab M offers range of Campylobacter culture media
8th August 2007
Campylobacter remains one of the most common causes of infectious intestinal disease. Lab M’s range of culture media includes Campylobacter Blood Free Selective Medium (modified CCDA) and Campylobacter Enrichment Broth (Bolton formulation).
New 'Technical Downloads' section extends Lab M website
26th July 2007
Lab M adds a new "Technical Downloads" section to expand the company website.
Gold standard Fastidious Anaerobe Agar from Lab M
23rd July 2007
Lab M’s Fastidious Anaerobe Agar is recognised as a Gold Standard medium for the primary isolation of fastidious anaerobic organisms.
Lab M launches ISO compliant Baird-Parker Medium
18th June 2007
Lab M’s new Baird-Parker Medium (ISO) is the latest addition to the company’s range of microbiological culture media developed to meet specific ISO requirements in the food industry.
Lab M for Listeria
25th May 2007
Lab M’s range of microbiological culture media for the enrichment and isolation of Listeria species from food samples covers the requirements of FDA, ISO 11290 and USDA methods.
Lab M supporting food microbiology events
4th May 2007
Lab M will be exhibiting from the company's rapidly growing range of ISO compliant culture media for food industry applications at two forthcoming conferences.
Lab M's bacterial magnetism
16th April 2007
Lab M’s innovative Captivate™ immunomagnetic separation (IMS) products and methodology are being used to enhance and accelerate a range of microbiological processes.
The Impact of ISO on Culture Media
Featured in the March edition of International Food Hygiene, Lab M's Product Manager, Lisa Baldwin, discusses ISO compliant media in line with the guidelines for the preparation and production of culture media ISO/TS 11133.
click for more info >>
Lab M Fraser BrothPLUS – improving Listeria isolation
5 February 2007
Fraser BrothPLUS and Half Fraser BrothPLUS are recently-introduced variants of Lab M’s standard Fraser Broth medium for the isolation of Listeria species. The new media are formatted to give improved results in both traditional culture and ELISA methods. In common with all of Lab M’s Fraser Broth range, they meet the specifications of the ISO 11290 standard for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes.
Smart QA Proficiency Testing Scheme - Improved for 2007!
19 January 2007
As a result of our recent customer survey, Lab M are pleased to announce a series of improvements for the Smart QA proficiency testing scheme.
Lysine Agar - in great demand!
8 December 2006
A recent surge in demand from the brewing industry for Lysine Agar (LAB201) has confirmed Lab M’s reputation as a reliable source for this and other culture media.
Lab M appoints new distributor in Germany
22 November 2006
Lab M Limited (Bury, UK) has appointed Gunter Keul GmbH to distribute its range of dehydrated culture media, supplements and related products throughout Germany.
Welcome to the new look Lab M website
4 October 2006
We hope you find it a useful resource for all your microbiology media needs.
Why have we launched this new site?
Lab M culture media for Clostridium difficile
22 September 2006
Clostridium difficile remains one of the most important causes of hospital-acquired infection. Lab M’s range of culture media for anaerobic organisms includes Brazier CCEY agar and Fastidious Anaerobe Agar.
Lab M awarded supplier status by NHS National Services Scotland
7 September 2006
Lab M (Bury, Lancs, UK), the microbiology culture media specialist, has been awarded supplier status by NHS National Services Scotland. The contract to supply culture media will run to the end of May 2009.
Lab M solutions for rapid, sensitive isolation of E. coli O157
23 August 2006
Recent UK outbreaks of severe illness caused by Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (O157 VTEC) have again highlighted the need for an effective means of isolating these bacteria from food and environmental samples.
Culture media assure adequate disinfection
19 July 2006
Media specialist Lab M (Bury, UK), provides an extensive range of neutralising media for use in both monitoring the effectiveness of a CIP sanitisation programme, and determining the bactericidal activity of disinfectants.
New Fraser BrothPLUS improves choice
28 June 2006
New variants of Fraser Broth – known as Fraser BrothPLUS – have been introduced to overcome issues with conventional formulations when culturing all Listeria species for subsequent ELISA analysis. Specialised peptones, together with the blending of the antibiotic supplement into the basal medium significantly improves isolation of target organisms.
Increased options for customers as Lab M introduces credit card payment facilities
4 April 2006
Lab M (Bury, Lancs, UK), the microbiology culture media specialist, has introduced credit card payment facilities for customers in the UK and overseas.
ISO specified Listeria medium from Lab M
9 February 2006
UK media specialist, Lab M, has extended its Harlequin range of chromogenic isolation and identification media with the launch of Listeria Chromogenic Agar (Agosti & Ottaviani formulation) – product code HAL010. Importantly, HAL010 is the first dehydrated Listeria medium as specified by ISO 11290.
