Virus LENTICULE® Discs - Microbiological Reference Material for Internal Quality Control
Applications:
- as qualitative or quantitative control strains for routine food, water and environmental testing
- for method development and validations
- for use in research studies
- for training and educational purposes
In partnership with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), PHE provides reference materials (RMs) for norovirus (genogroups I and II) and hepatitis A virus.
The discs consist of viruses in a solid water-soluble matrix that is stable for at least one year from manufacture, easy to use and suitable for a wide range of applications. The LENTICULE discs must be stored at -20°C ± 5°C, although short periods at ambient temperature such as during transportation, does not affect viability. All LENTICULE discs are supplied with a minimum expiry date of three months from date of purchase. Each pack of 10 LENTICULE discs comes with easy-to-follow instructions; all orders will be supplied from a single batch.
| Catalogue number | Reference Material | Genome copies per LENTICULE disc range |
| RM000HAV | Hepatitis A virus (HAV) |
5.7x102 – 1.7x103 |
| RMNOROG1 | Norovirus GI |
1.3x102 – 5.5x102 |
| RMNOROG2 | Norovirus GII |
2.8x102 – 1.4x103 |
The RMs are supplied with a certificate of analysis which gives reference values. These values are generated using a real time RT-PCR using Cefas’ ISO 17025 accredited procedures for virus quantification based upon ISO 15216-1 (Method for Quantification). Reference values are generated using a real time RT-PCR using Cefas’ ISO 17025 accredited procedures for virus quantification based on ISO 15216-1 (Method for Quantification).
The NCTC and NCPF LENTICULE discs are now produced by Merck (previously Sigma-Aldrich). Please visit their website to search the product listings.
Introduction to reference materials for norovirus and hepatitis A virus
Import Permits
For delivery to the USA a CDC import permit is required. For delivery to Canada an import permit from Health Canada is required.
LENTICULE is a trade mark of Public Health England. The method of preparation and the LENTICULE discs themselves are subject to the International Patent Application published as WO 01/05941.