Division Principle

The use of the IF test as the principal screening test is recommended because of its proven robustness to achieve the required thresholds.

When the IF test is used as the principal screening test and the IF reading is positive, the PCR or FISH test must be performed as a second screening test. When the IF test is used as the second screening test and the IF reading is positive, further testing according to the flow scheme is required to complete the analysis.

Prepare separate positive control slides of the homologous strain or any other reference strain of C. m. subsp. sepedonicus, suspended in potato extract, as specified in Appendix 2, and optionally in buffer.

Naturally infected tissue (maintained by lyophilization or freezing at -16 to -24 °C) should be used where possible as a similar control on the same slide.

As negative controls, use aliquots of sample extract which previously tested negative.

Use multiwell microscope slides with preferably 10 windows of at least 6 mm diameter.

Test control material in an identical manner as the sample(s).