Immunocard STAT!® EHEC, Meridian Bioscience

ImmunoCard STAT! EHEC is an immunochromatographic rapid test for the qualitative detection of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (also called Verotoxins) produced by E.coli in cultures derived from clinical stool specimens.This is used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms and other laboratory tests to aid in the diagnosis of diseases caused by enterohemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC) infection.

This rapid test utilizing monoclonal antibodies labeled with red-colored gold particles. The test device has a circular sample port and an oval-shaped test (Toxin 1, Toxin 2) and control (Control) window.

The sample is applied to the chromatography paper via the circular sample port (Sample). The sample is absorbed through the pad to the reaction zone containing colloidal, gold-labeled antibodies specific to Shiga toxins. Any Shiga toxin (ST1 and ST2) antigen present complexes with the gold-labeled antibody and migrates through the pad until it encounters the binding zones in the test (Toxin 1, Toxin 2) area. The binding zones (Toxin 1 and Toxin 2) contain another anti-ST1 or -ST2 antibody, which immobilizes any Shiga toxin-antibody complex present. Due to the gold labeling, a distinct red line is then formed. The remainder of the sample continues to migrate to another binding reagent zone within the control zone, and also forms a further distinct red line (positive control). Regardless of whether any Shiga toxin is present or not, a distinct red line should always be formed in the control zone and confirms that the test is working correctly.