ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTROL - REVIEW OF THE MAJOR RAPID TECHNIQUES - REPORT OF AN SFSTP COMMISSION

This article, a study by the commission on rapid methods in microbiolo gy, is a non-exhaustive review of alternatives to the traditional tech niques used in the microbiology laboratory. Three methodologies are ex amined in future depth: impedancemetry, epifluorescence and biolumines cence. The authors find each method to be an attractive alternative to traditional ones in terms of automation and speed. This commission wi ll continue to conduct evaluation studies and comparisons among these methods for certain microbiological control protocols recommended by t he European Pharmacopoeia (initial contaminations, water studies, stor age, efficacy tests, ect.). These studies will be featured in a subseq uent publication.