When initial screening indicates a potential issue, the next step determines response speed. Granger Genetics’ ECPath™ Assay serves as the automatic molecular reflex test following a positive ELS Assay result. It provides rapid, high-resolution detection of Escherichia coli in food and environmental samples while delivering the critical ability to distinguish harmless strains from dangerous pathogens.
Using a multiplex molecular design, ECPath™ acts as a targeted secondary screen. It confirms the presence of E. coli while simultaneously identifying specific genetic markers associated with pathogenic types like STEC, EHEC, and EPEC. This reflex approach allows facilities to quickly assess whether a positive screening result poses a true safety risk or a benign environmental presence.
Traditional culture confirmation methods often require extensive secondary testing to differentiate benign from pathogenic E. coli, causing costly shipment delays and operational uncertainty. By automatically triggering ECPath™ as a reflex test, facilities receive fast molecular results across complex matrices. This enables rapid triage, targeted corrective actions, and confident release decisions.
Key Advantages of the ECPath™ Reflex Approach
- Differentiates Harmless vs. Pathogenic E. coli – Reflex testing immediately identifies key virulence signatures to help prioritize your contamination response.
- Rapid Turnaround – A 2–3 business day turnaround time supports timely product holds, release decisions, and facility corrective actions without waiting on lengthy culture confirmation.
- High Sensitivity and Specificity – Built on an advanced ddPCR platform, partitioned detection ensures accurate identification of low-level contamination.
- Multiplexed Virulence Screening – Consolidates multiple pathogenic targets into a single reaction to reduce cost, hands-on time, and consumable use.
- Effective Across Challenging Matrices – Performs reliably with food products, raw materials, and environmental swabs.
- Reduced Matrix Interference – PCR reaction partitioning improves performance in inhibitory or complex sample types.
- Reproducible Results – Delivers dependable data suitable for routine screening, trending, and compliance documentation.
Learn More or Get Started
The Granger Genetics team can guide you through sample preparation, understanding your reflex test results, and how this combined testing workflow fits within your broader contamination control program.
To incorporate the ECPath™ assay as your automated reflex solution, contact us for details and to speak with a scientist about optimizing your workflow.