Mark D Rasmussen

US Patent:

20100159505, Jun 24, 2010

Filed:

Mar 1, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/715028

Inventors:

Thomas A. Casey - Ames IA, US
Mark A. Rasmussen - McCallsburg IA, US
Albin H. Gapsch - Melbourne FL, US
Ricky Lee Flick - Lancaster KY, US
Jacob W. Petrich - Ames IA, US

Assignee:

MEAT INSPECTION SYSTEMS, L.L.C. - Bonita Springs FL
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. - Ames IA
The United States, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture - Washington DC

International Classification:

C12Q 1/04
G01N 33/48

US Classification:

435 34, 435 405

Abstract:

A fluorescent spectroscopic method and apparatus for real time direct detection of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in central nervous system tissue by monitoring the fluorescence of intrinsic markers in the tissue by illuminating the tissue with UV or visible light having an appropriate wavelength, and the resulting emission spectra is detected and examined in the region from 350 to 650 nm. A higher intensity in this region is indicative of infected tissue. The apparatus and method would not interfere with existing slaughterhouse line speeds or procedures, and could be used on live animals.