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MicroSEQ Microbial Identification System
The MicroSEQ Microbial Identification System delivers reliable, species-level microbial identification designed to resolve ambiguity and support confident decision-making in environmental monitoring and contamination investigations.
When identification results are unclear, including no ID, low-confidence matches, or multiple possible organisms, additional resolution is required. Sequence-based microbial identification helps resolve these cases quickly, avoiding repeat testing and stalled investigations while keeping contamination investigations on track.
When product quality and compliance are at stake, the system helps laboratories move from uncertain identification to clear, defensible answers, enabling faster investigation closure. By bringing sequencing in house, laboratories can reduce reliance on third-party testing, avoid repeat analysis, and maintain control over timelines and outcomes.
End-to-end workflow solution for microbial identification
The MicroSEQ Rapid Microbial ID System unifies PCR, sequencing, and data analysis into one integrated workflow that is predictable, scalable, and easy to validate across laboratories and sites. The components are developed and tested together, designed to deliver dependable results that support faster decision-making and reduce operational inefficiencies.
- Reliable accuracy: Targeted sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and the LSU-D2 and ITS regions for fungi delivers high discrimination power and species-level resolution across diverse organisms, helping resolve ambiguous identifications and avoid unnecessary follow-up testing.
- Built for compliance: Designed on principles recommended by ICH, USP, EUP, and JP to support defensible contamination investigations, robust documentation, and audit readiness when identification must withstand scrutiny.
- Faster time-to-answers: Species-level results in about five hours from colony to answer help laboratories act swiftly, avoiding delays caused by repeat testing or unclear identification results that can impact downstream manufacturing steps.
- Broad organism coverage: Large, curated libraries for bacteria and fungi strengthen confidence across environmental monitoring programs, including challenging environmental isolates and difficult-to-identify organisms.
- Standardized for scalability: Common protocols and standardized reagents support consistent execution and predictable performance as testing demands grow, without adding workflow complexity.
- Global support: Training, validation services, and technical expertise help laboratories implement sequencing with confidence, reduce reliance on external testing, and support long-term operational excellence.
When identification results are unclear, including no ID, low-confidence matches, or multiple possible organisms, this workflow provides the additional resolution required to move investigations forward without delay.
Why sequence-based identification delivers greater confidence
Sequence-based microbial identification evaluates stable genetic markers to produce reliable species-level results that help laboratories deliver answers without unnecessary uncertainty. This molecular approach enhances result clarity, strengthens contamination investigations, and supports root cause identification on demand in ways that reduce repeat testing and accelerate corrective actions.
In many regulated environments, labs balance speed with accuracy. Sequence-based methods enable both rapid insight and deep resolution, helping teams make confident decisions faster. By offering broader, validated coverage and stronger resolution for challenging organisms, sequence-based workflows reinforce confidence in compliance and reduce long-term reliance on third-party services.
Proven genotypic identification for reliable results
Accurate species identification is foundational to strong environmental monitoring and contamination control strategies. Genotypic microbial identification measures stable genetic sequences to help labs achieve high-confidence identification with less variability. This leads to more predictable, reproducible performance, stronger contamination investigations, and better control of risk over time.
Highlights:
- DNA-based results reduce ambiguity that can slow investigations
- High discrimination power supports differentiation between organisms with similar observable characteristics
- Reliable performance contributes to scalability across multi-site operations
The MicroSEQ system uses comparative rDNA sequencing of the 16S region (bacteria) and LSU D2 region (fungi) to generate species-level identification that supports confident decision-making for routine QC and investigation workflows.
“Genotypic methods have been shown to be more accurate and precise than traditional biochemical and phenotypic techniques. These methods are especially valuable for investigations into failures (e.g., sterility test; media fill contamination).”
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing—Current Good Manufacturing Practice U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, October 2004.
Webinar: Microbial identification via DNA‑sequencing method to support risk mitigation
The utilization of microorganism identification through DNA sequencing provides an in-depth and comprehensive view of the variety of organisms that may pose a risk to controlled environments or final product. This webinar discusses the standards requiring characterization, identification, and techniques of a genotypic microbial identification method.
Go from culture to answer in less than 5 hours
When deviations occur, speed and accuracy are both critical. The MicroSEQ system integrates MSID software, sample preparation reagents, application kits, thermal cyclers, and sequencing systems into a tightly harmonized workflow that supports predictable, rapid turnaround.
A single, standardized workflow facilitates species-level identification in under five hours from colony to result. This fast performance supports root cause identification on demand, accelerates investigations, and helps laboratories maintain operational predictability across testing programs.
Scalable microbial ID for growing demands
Microbial identification needs to support not just current workflows but future growth and expanded operational demands. The MicroSEQ system is designed for scalability so that laboratories of varying sizes can achieve consistent performance and dependable results whether supporting a single site or a global network.
Standardized protocols, shared validated libraries, and harmonized reporting across instruments and facilities help organizations implement microbial identification programs that are consistent, defendable, and efficient. As laboratory workloads increase, the system supports higher throughput while maintaining accuracy and data integrity. This helps reduce rework, lower reliance on external partners, and deliver confidence on demand across many testing environments. With scalable performance built into the workflow, the MicroSEQ system helps quality teams expand microbial identification capabilities while maintaining control, reducing risk over time, and supporting long term operational excellence.
Easy PCR-ready template preparation
The Applied Biosystems PrepMan Ultra Sample Preparation Reagent was developed for the rapid preparation of DNA template from gram-negative pathogens for use in PCR amplification reactions. It has been used to prepare PCR-ready template from a wide variety of different sources, including bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi, from a plate or from liquid culture, mammalian tissue smears, human cells (buccal swab), and mammalian whole blood. It offers a simple rapid protocol, helping reduce time-to-results.
All-inclusive reagent kits and libraries
Specific and easy-to-use, MicroSEQ kits provide all the reagents needed for robust microbial identification. Complementary PCR and Sequencing kits have been tested and internally validated to meet or exceed regulatory guidelines. There are several kits and corresponding data libraries to choose from—covering more than 75,000 sequences of bacteria and fungi.
Precise PCR control
The Applied Biosystems VeritiPro Thermal Cycler offers proven reliability with advanced temperature control technology and connectivity. Take advantage of next-level PCR optimization with the precision offered by VeriFlex temperature control technology.
Simple, flexible sequencing platforms
The Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Series of genetic analyzers offer the high quality and reliable performance of Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis that scientists need, while leveraging design improvements and technological advances for increased flexibility, easier operation, enhanced connectivity, and remote serviceability.
Fast, accurate data analysis
Unlock the power of precise bacterial and fungal sequence identification with MicroSEQ Identification Software 4.0, tailored for the Applied Biosystems SeqStudio genetic analyzers. Experience advanced analysis, packed with features that elevate your workflow while supporting compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 regulatory standards.
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