Development of an Overnight Rapid Bovine Identification Test (ORBIT) for Field Use

Abstract

An Overnight Rapid Bovine Identification Test (ORBIT) has been developed as a serological screen test for species verification of raw, whole tissue, bovine meat products. The test, an agar-gel immunodiffusion technique, uses stabilized reagent paper discs and prepared agar plates that have a printed template for correct placement of test components. This test is reliable, practical, economical, and easily performed in the field, such as at a meat import inspection station. The only nonbovine species found to react in the test are the bovine-related species of American bison (buffalo) and water buffalo (from Australia); however, these rare-occurring species do not present a problem for the intended application of the test. Stability of all test components, when stored in a refrigerator, is excellent for at least 1 year. The nature and stability of the test make it suitable for commercial development into test kits which should be highly practical and economical for wide availability and application of this procedure to meat inspection programs concerned with species verification.

Agar‐Gel Immunodiffusion Test for Rapid Identification of Pollock Surimi in Raw Meat Products

“…On the 14 th day after secondary immunization, 5 cc blood was taken from the large medial artery in the rabbit's ear. The serum was isolated and examined for suitable antibody response as described (Mageau et al, 1984). Test bleeds were repeated 14 days after each booster until a suitable antibody response was attained.…”

“…Raw surimi reference antigen discs were prepared by impregnating additional blank paper discs with 40 µL of a 1:14 extract of raw surimi in distilled water. Both sets of discs were allowed to absorb reagents and then freeze-dried overnight as described (Mageau et al, 1984).…”

“…Immunodiffusion plates were prepared as described (Mageau et al, 1984). A substitution of both fast green FCF dye (No.…”

“…Test analysis of meat and fish samples used the same method as published (Mageau et al, 1984). Briefly, the meat juices or a water extract of the meat emulsion was adsorbed onto a blank paper disc and placed onto the agar gel in an equidistant pattern from the anti-surimi antibody disc and the reference surimi antigen disc.…”

“…Tests developed by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service identify the species of raw or cooked meat tissues in retail products. Species Identification Field Tests (SIFT) were developed for raw beef (Mageau et al, 1984), poultry (Cutrufelli et al, 1986), pork (Cutrufelli et al, 1988), sheep (Cutrufelli et al, 1989), horse (Cutrufelli et al, 1991), and deer (Cutrufelli et al, 1992) and have been combined to test multiple raw species in a single test unit (Cutrufelli et al, 1993). These tests are part of USDA field inspectors and USDA Technical Support Laboratory guides for assuring accuracy in food labeling.…”