Ice tea has a complex composition, which leads to reduced filterability, and a decrease in sample throughput. Its composition can generate background or false positive signals. It is also well known that ice tea contains molecules that can inhibit the bioluminescence reaction, which can generate false negative results. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol that was able to neutralize these affects and enable faster detection of contamination. - [Read Microbial Detection in Ice Tea Using the Millipore Milliflex Rapid Microbiology Detection System]
Several methods have been developed to "retrieve" antigens that have been masked by fixation. The principle behind using the microwave oven method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. Be aware that any of the antigen retrieval methods should be avoided wherever possible, because they may introduce artifactual false-positive staining. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Microwave Oven Protocol]