Alcami, a provider of custom development and manufacturing services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, will expand service capabilities at its Charleston, SC, Edison, NJ, St. Louis, MO, and Wilmington, NC sites to offer identification of microorganisms using the latest MicroSEQ library and an Applied Biosystems/Hitachi 3500 Genetic Analyzer. This system is capable of identifying microorganisms to the species level.

"Genotypic microbial identification methods are theoretically more reliable than traditional identification methods because nucleic acid sequences are highly conserved in most microbial species," said Ted Dolan, chief operating officer, Alcami. "We are pleased to have the MicroSEQ system and its capabilities in-house, allowing us to better serve our customers."

The MicroSEQ Rapid Microbial Identification System uses a highly accurate phylogenetic approach for microbial identification based on the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria or the D2 region of the large subunit for fungi. Its validated bacterial and fungal libraries include over 3100 entries. The system is ideal for environmental monitoring, contamination investigation, root cause analysis, and raw material testing.

Genotypic methods have been shown to be more accurate and precise than traditional biochemical and phenotypic techniques. They are especially valuable for investigations of failures such as sterility test and media fill contamination.

Alcami sites began accepting identifications April 1 and commercial offerings include a phenotypic evaluation when applicable, and a genetic evaluation through Gram Stain and rapid identification using the MicroSEQ.