ISPAM Meeting Book

9/17/2015

Current Industry Sampling Programs • 60 samples commingled, then tested (typically by PCR) Tests a e +/ not q antitati e • r -, u v • Negative clears the field (really?) • Positive condemns the field • Cannot differentiate between gross field contamination and “found the needle” − Because of “zero tolerance”, no incentive to differentiate

Economic Impact of Sampling/Testing Costs: • Sampling and sample handling supplies • Laboratory testing − testing costs multiplied by the number of individual samples • Hold product (NA if still in field) • Consequence if result is “positive” Benefits: • Reducing public health risk (quantifiable?)

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