GMO Testing - Testing Options

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GMO food/feed testing is based on some fundamental principles of genetic engineering and cellular physiology: DNA: The introduction of foreign DNA into a recipient plants DNA (genetic engineering) Protein: The information coded in DNA is translated into protein that performs the function specified by the DNA instructions (cellular physiology) Two methods have been developed based on these fundamentals: genetic analysis (DNA analysis) and Immunological analysis (Protein analysis). Three tests are currently available using these methods. Genetic Analysis (DNA analysis) Genetic analysis is a GMO testing method that detects the presence of a transgene in a plant cells genome. The specific GMO test used in this method is called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR Test): Copies a specific section of a plants DNA billions of times in order to detect and quantitate foreign DNA (GMO) inserted into the plants genome. Uses short pieces of DNA (primers) that are complementary to the GMO sequence to vastly amplify and quantitate GMOs. Performed in a laboratory setting. Appropriate for qualitative or quantitative testing. Highly sensitive and specific.

More on Genetic Analysis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Immuno-analysis (Protein analysis) Immunological analysis, or immuno-analysis for short, is a GMO test method that detects proteins. Currently, there are two types of GMO tests that use this method: the Strip Test and ELISA Method. Strip test (Lateral Flow Device or Dipstick): A rapid antibody-based method used for measuring GMO protein in unprocessed material such as seed, grain, or leaves Uses a detection surface comprised of immobilized GMO

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GMO Testing - Testing Options

http://www.gmotesting.com/Testing-Options.aspx

protein-specific antibodies on a solid strip Appropriate for qualitative or semi-quantitative testing Suitable for field testing ELISA Test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) An antibody-based method for measuring GMO protein in unprocessed material such as seed, grain, or leaves Uses a detection surface comprised of immobilized GMO protein-specific antibodies in a multi-well solid plate format Appropriate for qualitative or quantitative testing Performed in a laboratory setting More on Immuno-analysis

Determining which type of GMO test is most appropriate depends on several factors, including but not limited to: Nature of the sample GMO(s) to be analyzed Required test sensitivity Whether qualitative or quantitative analysis is required Products intended market The chart below summarizes GMO testing options, including the advantages and disadvantages of each method. GMO testing options
Analysis Test Measures Advantages Disadvantages Often low sensitivity (Limit of detection 0.1 1%) Because the test is not performed with laboratory controls, operator error resulting in inaccurate test results can sometimes be an issue. Not appropriate for processed products GM protein levels may vary between different commercial GM cultivars and different parts of the same GM plant Not appropriate for processed products ELISA Protein High sensitivity (Limit of detection 0.01 0.1%) GM protein levels may vary between different commercial GM cultivars and different parts of the same GM plant Must be performed in a laboratory

Strip test

Protein

Because the test is rapid and can be performed onsite, this method is very useful as an initial screen for seed and grain

Immunologic

High sensitivity (limit of detection 0.01%) and specificity Genetic PCR DNA Capable of detecting all GMOs Allows definitive quantification Must be performed in a laboratory

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GMO Testing - Testing Options

http://www.gmotesting.com/Testing-Options.aspx

Effective with broad range of sample types Industry standard used worldwide in surveillance and testing labs

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