Researchers from Purdue University have developed a new biosensor-based rapid test that can detect fecal contamination of produce in-field with 90–100 percent accuracy.

The solution leverages technology that has also been used for bovine respiratory disease and COVID-19 tests, called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The new, paper-based biosensor is the first demonstration of a portable LAMP testing platform implemented on a fresh produce farm. The sensor uses fecal indicator Bacteroidales as a risk marker, which is a microbe found in swine, poultry, and cattle excrement.