What different tests test!

There are a variety of procedures to test if a crop is genetically modified (GM). Tests either test for the protein synthesized by the inserted gene, or you can test for the inserted gene directly.

• Strip tests are often used when unloading grain at an elevator to verify the identity of the grain. Strip tests are fast and require no laboratory setting. BioProfile Testing Laboratories, LLC offers strip testing at competitive prices.

• ELISA tests also are quick in determining if a grain is GMO but require more laboratory skills. Both strip tests and ELISA tests test for the protein that is formed by the inserted gene. With several ELISA tests you can calculate the concentration of GMO in a grain lot. BioProfile Testing Laboratories, LLC offers ELISA testing.

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a patented process (Applied Biosystems, CA) and tests if grain has the inserted genes that make it a GMO. This manner of testing is more costly because it requires expensive laboratory equipment and skilled personnel. PCR testing allows you to quantify the amount of GMO in a grain lot, e.g. you can determine if the lot is below 0.5% GMO contamination. PCR testing is the most sensitive method of testing. End-users in Europe and Japan require PCR tests.

• Germination/herbicide tests. Some laboratories will back up their tests by germinating soybean seed and then applying glyfosphate to determine the GMO content of the grain. You can also quantify the GMO content of the grain lot with this method. Germination tests are slow, up to two weeks, to get results and require big enough samples to adequately quantify the GMO content.

• BioProfile Testing Laboratories, LLC specializes in PCR technology to test for GMOs. In our standard PCR test, we test for the promotor, the gene of interest, and the anti-biotic resistance gene to determine the GMO content of a grain sample. We find that this approach of testing is the most robust in the industry to test for GMOs.