Fatty acid methyl ester analysis by gas chromatography (GC-FAME) has been used for over 50 years to identify microbes in environmental and clinical settings. FAME identification is a dynamic test of the organism. It is specific to growth conditions, including the media and temperature used. Different libraries are available for different growth conditions and custom libraries can be created based on the customer's unique environment. In addition to identification, FAME analysis is often sensitive enough to give strain level information for a sample.
The Sherlock Microbial Identification System (MIS) was launched in 1991 and represents a rapid, accurate and inexpensive solution for the identification of over 1,500 microbial species by GC-FAME analysis. The Sherlock MIS is recognized by the U.S. CDC for the identification of aerobic bacteria and is AOAC INTERNATIONAL cleared for the identification of Bacillus anthracis, the anthrax pathogen. The Sherlock MIS was
created by microbiologists for microbiologists, so no GC experience is necessary.
In 2007 MIDI released Sherlock Instant FAMETM, a rapid sample preparation method
focused on environmental aerobes and yeast, which takes less than 15 minutes
to identify aerobes and yeast from pure culture.
In 2009 MIDI released Sherlock Instant AnaerobeTM, a rapid sample preparation method focused on clinical anaerobes, which takes less than 15 minutes to
identify anaerobes from pure culture.
In 2010 MIDI released Sherlock Q-FAMETM, a rapid sample preparation method
focused on clinical aerobes, which takes less than 25 minutes to identify
aerobes from pure culture.
What makes the Sherlock MIS unique is that all microbes are analyzed using the same procedure, with no offline tests, gram stains or biochemical cards required. The system is FDA 21CFR Part 11 compliant and validation packages are available for Bio/Pharma QC customers.
In addition to microbial ID, the Sherlock MIS can be used to analyze fatty acids and related compounds from soil (eg. PLFA), algal biofuels and omega-3 fatty acids, thereby increasing the systems utility for researchers.
- Rapid ID in less than 15 minutes.
- Inexpensive per sample cost.
- Automated analysis and naming.
- Throughput over 100 samples per day.
- No biochemical kits or cards.
- Comprehensive data analysis tools.
- Proven reliability and warranty.
- Combine with DNA Sequencing Results
Contact MIDI for further information on the Sherlock MIS System.