Navigating Challenges Associated with PCR Technology in a Cannabis Lab

For the last century, traditional cultural methods have been the “gold standard” for microbiological analysis. However, for the cannabis industry, national harmonized culture methods are nonexistent resulting in the use of alternative methods such as molecular detection. Although this technology has many advantages over culture-based methods, there are challenges laboratories need to be made aware of. This presentation will discuss the science behind molecular detection, issues that exists and how the providers of the technology are working to resolve them. PJLA will also discuss challenges encountered during the accreditation process in regard to this area and the expectations of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Presented by: Tracy Szerszen & Patrick Bird of PMB BioTek Consulting