Capabilities
The LIDE's high-throughput molecular methods allow detection, quantification, and subtyping of microorganisms, including over 30 pathogens and fecal indicators. We are a Biosafety Level 2+ approved lab with extensive quality assurance/quality control protocols, and our rapid response team performs sample collection and analysis in outbreak situations. Learn more about our capabilities below.
Laboratory capabilities
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Sampling and analytical capabilities
Molecular and culture analysis methods are paired with sampling capabilities across environmental matrices to address a wide range of questions and problems. LIDE collects and analyzes samples from groundwater, surface water, runoff, wastewater, sediments, soil, manure, compost, digestate, and air.
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Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) identifies and quantifies microorganisms in environmental samples by detecting a unique target sequence of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA).
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Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a tool for estimating human health risks from exposure to pathogens via food, water, air, and other environmental routes.
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Microbial source tracking
Microbial source tracking (MST) identifies fecal sources of water contamination by detecting microbes found in the feces of humans, cattle, pigs, poultry, or other animals.
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Antibiotic resistance genes
Groundwater and surface water are reservoirs for antibiotic resistant bacteria that originate in human wastewater and livestock manure.
