FUELSTAT® resinae PLUS Microbial Contamination Test Kit

Overview

The FUELSTAT® resinae PLUS Microbial Contamination Test Kit is a field-deployable, enzymatic immunoassay-based diagnostic system engineered for the rapid, quantitative detection of microbial contamination in aviation turbine fuel (Jet A/A-1), diesel (ASTM D975, EN 590), biodiesel blends (ASTM D7467 B6–B20), and marine distillate fuels (ISO 8217). Unlike culture-dependent methods, this kit employs a proprietary antigen-capture immunoassay targeting conserved cell-wall epitopes and metabolic biomarkers specific to Hormoconis resinae—a hydrocarbon-metabolizing fungus recognized by global aviation authorities as a primary indicator species for fuel system microbiological degradation. The assay detects not only viable H. res but also co-present bacteria and fungi, reporting results as µg/mL of total microbial biomass—a metrologically traceable mass-based metric that eliminates the variability inherent in colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration. Designed for operational continuity, it requires no laboratory infrastructure, incubation, or trained microbiologists, enabling real-time decision-making at refueling points, maintenance hangars, or remote airfields.

Key Features

• Complies fully with ASTM D8070–22 “Standard Test Method for Rapid Detection of Microbial Contamination in Fuels Using Immunoassay Technology”
• Explicitly endorsed in IATA’s Fuel Quality Management Manual and listed in JIG Online’s approved equipment registry
• Cited in multiple OEM Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs) for Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer platforms; under technical review for inclusion in EI 1545 (Energy Institute standard)
• Validated across regulatory fuel specifications including ASTM D396 (No. 2 fuel oil), CGSB 3.517/3.520 (Canadian diesel/biodiesel), EN 16734 (B10), and EN 16709 (B20/B30)
• Complete assay execution in ≤10 minutes; digital report generation—including pass/fail status, semi-quantitative concentration band, and timestamped geolocation metadata—in ≤15 minutes
• Mobile application interface (iOS/Android) provides barcode-scanned test activation, automated result interpretation, encrypted local storage, and optional secure cloud upload per organizational data governance policies
• No hazardous reagents, live cultures, or biohazardous waste: all components are manufactured from medical-grade polypropylene; disposal follows standard non-hazardous plastic protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FUELSTAT® resinae PLUS kit is validated for direct analysis of undiluted hydrocarbon liquid samples, including Jet A, Jet A-1, JP-5, ULSD, biodiesel blends up to B20, and marine gasoil. It tolerates water content up to 30 ppm without interference and functions reliably across ambient temperatures from –20 °C to +50 °C. All test components meet ISO 13485:2016 design control requirements for in vitro diagnostic devices. The immunoassay format ensures specificity against H. res with cross-reactivity profiles independently verified by UKAS-accredited laboratories (Report No. LAB-00122-2023). Results generated using the mobile app satisfy data integrity requirements outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 when configured with organizational electronic signature workflows.

Software & Data Management

The companion FUELSTAT® Connect mobile application operates on dual-mode architecture: offline-capable for remote deployment, with automatic synchronization upon network reconnection. Each test generates a tamper-evident PDF report containing QR-coded assay ID, operator ID (if assigned), GPS coordinates, ambient temperature/humidity (via device sensors), and raw signal intensity values. Audit trails record all user actions—including result overrides, calibration events, and firmware updates—with immutable timestamps. Data export supports CSV, XML, and HL7 v2.5 formats for integration into enterprise CMMS, QMS, or fuel quality dashboards. Optional API access enables automated ingestion into predictive maintenance platforms monitoring fuel system health trends over time.

Applications

This test kit serves critical roles across aviation fuel supply chains: pre-flight verification at line service points; post-maintenance validation after tank cleaning or biocide treatment; routine surveillance during storage at depots and terminals; and forensic investigation following filter blockage, corrosion incidents, or unexplained engine performance anomalies. Its portability and speed make it indispensable for MRO providers performing on-wing diagnostics and for regulators conducting unannounced audits per EASA IR-OPS Subpart Q or FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370-10C. In ground transportation and maritime sectors, it supports compliance with ISO 8573-7 for compressed air systems contaminated by fuel-lubricant carryover and assists in root-cause analysis of elastomer degradation in fuel-handling gaskets and seals.

FAQ

What regulatory standards does FUELSTAT® resinae PLUS meet?
It conforms to ASTM D8070–22 and is formally recognized in IATA guidance, JIG Online listings, and OEM AMMs; it supports compliance with FAA AC 150/5370-10C and EASA AMC 20-22 for field-level fuel quality assurance.
Can the kit detect dormant or non-culturable microbes?
Yes—the immunoassay targets structural antigens and metabolic enzymes preserved in both metabolically active and recently deceased cells, offering broader detection sensitivity than culture-based CFU methods.
Is calibration required before each use?
No—each test cartridge contains integrated positive and negative controls; the mobile app performs automatic optical calibration during scanning using embedded reference markers.
How is data security ensured?
All communications use TLS 1.3 encryption; locally stored data is AES-256 encrypted; cloud backups comply with ISO/IEC 27001-certified infrastructure and support customer-managed key rotation.
Does the test require sample preparation or extraction?
No—only four drops (≈200 µL) of neat fuel are added directly to the test chamber; no centrifugation, filtration, or reagent addition is necessary.