CannaInsider interviewed Eric Lachance, the COO of Phoenix-based PathogenDx. The company tests cannabis samples for microbial contamination, with its rapid pathogen screening using Raw Sample genotyping (RSG). The company’s methods allow its customers, testing labs, to save time and reduce costs. Lachance works with CEO Milan Patel and CSO Michael Hogan Ph. D.
According to Lachance, the test takes six hours to complete, which is quicker than the 48-96 hours using a Petri dish or 48 hour for real-time PCR. Lachance recommends that growers test early in order to avoid crop-loss, as it is possible to mitigate the presence of some pathogens. PathogenDX’s test can test flower, soil, water or any medium. The cost per test per pathogen works out to about $4.
Key Takeaways
1:22 – Eric’s background
1:54 – What is Pathogen DX
2:32 – Eric explains what DNA based means
3:31 – Lab requirements and the biggest markets in the United States
4:23 – Minimum testing thresholds for substances found
5:36 – Correlation between growing organically and conventionally
7:43 – What if CFUs are found
9:52 – Using the plant for oil if a pathogen is found
13:32 – Eric talks about motivations for the testing
15:17 – Eric talks about the testing technology evolving
17:41 – Testing amounts
18:28 – Eric’s book recommendation
21:49 – Pathogen DX contact information
Read the transcript or listen to the interview “How to Avoid Pathogens in your Cannabis”: http://www.cannainsider.com/avoid-pathogens-cannabis/
