Laboratory testing services

Accredited laboratory analysis according to the EN 1104 standard to determine the transfer of antimicrobial constituents from paper and board intended for food contact. Paper and board food contact materials must not release processing aids that have an antimicrobial effect on food. The requirement is outlined, for example, in German BfR Recommendation XXXVI.

Microbiological quality is one of the most important quality assessments performed on food products, as microbiological hazards are among the biggest risk factors considering the general safety of food and feed. Failure to produce microbiologically acceptable products can lead to foodborne illness outbreaks, product recalls, and other costly control measures. In the EU, Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 lays down the microbiological safety criteria for easily perishable food products. Some of the foods listed in the regulation include egg products, dairy, meat products, seafood, infant formula, and ready-to-eat precut fruit and vegetables. Micro-organisms for which limit values have been set include the following: Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Cronobacter spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Presumptive Bacillus cereus. The microbiological criteria for feed are given in Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011, which sets limits for Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae in animal-derived feed products. Microbiological quality can be evaluated further based on national regulations and guidances, such as those by the German DGHM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie) or the Finnish ETL (Elintarviketeollisuusliitto). Examples of parameters for which we offer testing include: Aerobic micro-organisms, Anaerobic micro-organisms, Aerobic spore-forming micro-organisms, Anaerobic spore-forming micro-organisms, Presumptive Bacillus cereus, Coliform bacteria, Thermotolerant coliform bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, Cronobacter spp., E. coli, Enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, Yeasts and moulds, Coagulase-positive staphylococci, Lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Sulphite-reducing clostridia, Spore-forming sulphite-reducing clostridia, Osmotolerant yeasts, Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes in 25 g, Salmonella in 25 g, Salmonella in 125 g, Hepatitis A, Norovirus. The displayed price applies to the analysis of one microbiological parameter for one sample. The price per parameter per sample generally decreases when several parameters and/or larger sample batches are analyzed. Contact us through the form below for more information and a quote tailored to your product.

We offer comprehensive test packages for verifying the quality of type II and type IIR face masks according to the EN 14683 standard. The tests included in the packages are required to label face masks with the CE marking. Medical face masks are divided into Types I and II according to their bacterial filtration efficiency. Type I masks are not intended for healthcare professionals, but for the public to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Type II masks are further classified based on whether they are splash-resistant (Type IIR) or not (Type II). To comply with the European Standard EN 14683, Type II face masks must undergo the following quality tests: Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) - The ability of the face mask to filter the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The BFE is expressed as the percentage of colony-forming units (cfu) that have passed via aerosol through the facemask. If a face mask consists of two or more areas with different characteristics, these areas will be tested separately., Breathability (Differential pressure) - The amount of differential pressure required to draw air through a measured surface area at a constant flow rate., Microbial cleanliness (Bioburden) - The measurement of colony forming units per gram as per EN ISO 11737-1., Biocompatibility - The medical face mask manufacturer shall complete a biocompatibility evaluation according to ISO 10993-1 as a surface device with limited contact. The applicable toxicology testing regimen shall also be determined.. In addition to the above, Type IIR masks require the following test: Splash resistance - Performed according to ISO 22609, this test determines the ability of a face mask to resist penetration of splashes of liquid at different pressures.. The lower displayed price applies to the Type II mask test package, while the higher price also includes the splash resistance test required for Type IIR masks.

Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae (EN ISO 21528). For microbiology analyses, a sample preparation cost of €39 will be invoiced per order.

The term bioburden describes the presence of microorganisms on a product, raw material, or surface. Bioburden testing plays a crucial role in the quality control of medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and their components. This analysis follows the ISO 11737-1 standard to detect populations of viable microorganisms on a product before sterilization, thus indicating the microbiological cleanliness of the product. ISO 11737-1 is recognized in the EU as a harmonized medical device standard and by the FDA as a consensus standard. This makes it the recommended way to evaluate bioburden under the EU MDR and the FDA 510(k) premarket submission process. This example testing package includes the following: Testing of 5 identical specimens, Detecting the presence of aerobic bacteria and and fungi (yeasts and molds), Validating the bioburden determination technique, Results expressed as total CFU/test product (CFU=colony forming units), Tests under GLP. We can also offer a custom bioburden test package for your needs, especially for large sample volumes. Please ask our experts for a quotation and estimated turnaround time.

Laboratory analysis for determining the total number of colony-forming units of bacteria, bacterial spres count as well as yeast and molds in dry market pulp, paper, and paperboard after disintegration. NOTE: Please note that while preparing the samples for shipping, please use aluminum foil/ envelopes/ self-closing plastic bags to protect the samples. Samples can be wrapped as such in aluminum foil, in ready-to-use sterile envelopes, or in self-closing bags, which are commercially available.

Sterility testing measures the growth of microorganisms on a product after the product has been sterilized. ISO 11737-2 is a harmonized standard for evaluating the sterility of medical devices by the EU Medical Device Regulation, as well as an FDA-recognized consensus standard for supporting 510(k) submissions. A sterile device or product is free from viable microorganisms. The purpose of sterilization is to inactivate microbiological contaminants to transform devices from a non-sterilized to a sterilized state. Sterility can be assessed when defining, validating, or maintaining a sterilization process. Testing by ISO 11737-2 includes method validation by determining the initial bacterial count of control suspensions and testing the suitability of the culture mediums for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Also, the suitability of the test for the specific product is assessed. This example testing package includes following: Testing of 3 identical specimens, Detecting the presence of aerobic, anaerobic microbes, and fungi (yeast and molds), Validation of the sterility determination technique, The results are given as negative (no growth observed) or positive (growth observed), and the price includes one result per micro-organism per product.. We can also offer a custom sterility test package for your needs, especially for large sample volumes. Please ask our experts for a quotation and estimated turnaround time

Microbiological test package for cosmetic products according to European Pharmacopoeia methods EP 2.6.12 and EP 2.6.13. The most recent edition of the pharmacopoeia is followed. The following parameters are included in the analysis: TAMC according to EP 2.6.12, TYMC according to EP 2.6.12, S. aureus according to EP 2.6.13, P. aeruginosa according to EP 2.6.13, E. coli according to EP 2.6.13, C. albicans according to EP 2.6.13.

The ASTM F1608 method is used to determine the passage of airborne bacteria through porous materials used in the packaging of sterile medical devices. With the test, different materials can be compared to determine which one offers the best protection against contamination. A mist of bacteria spores (Bacillus atrophies) is sprayed on the porous testing material in an exposure chamber. Spores that get through the material are trapped on a special filter and counted. The number of spores sprayed originally is compared to the number of spores that got through to conclude how well the material blocks the bacteria.  The results are expressed as a “Log Reduction Value” (LRV), representing the effectiveness of the material in preventing bacteria from passing.

Shelf life refers to the time between the production date and the "best before" or "use by" date of a product. In the EU, the date of minimum durability is mandatory food information for almost all packaged foods, supplements, and feed products. During the product's shelf life, when stored according to instructions, the product should: Not pose a microbiological hazard to the consumer. Microbiological risks are usually more prevalent in perishable products, such as raw meat and dairy, but must also be accounted for with more stable products with a longer shelf life. , Not pose a chemical hazard to the consumer. Certain toxins may accumulate in the product due to microbiological activity. It is also possible that the packaging material is not fully compatible with the contents, causing contaminants to leach into the food or feed., Retain all relevant characteristics, such as nutritional value, consistency, and flavor. . There are various approaches to assessing the stability of food products over their intended shelf life: Sensory analysis can be used to assess the retention of sensory properties, such as flavor and odor., Nutritional analyses, measurement of water activity, and pH give information about changes in composition. They can also be used to assess microbiological stability and risks., Nutrient level monitoring is necessary for products containing vitamins and other nutrients to ensure that nutrient levels are maintained throughout the shelf life., Fat oxidation parameters, such as peroxide, p-Anisidine, and TOTOX value, can be used to assess the oxidative stability of fat-containing foods. Fat oxidation parameters can, in some cases, also explain a downward trend in sensory quality.. Shelf life studies can be conducted in real-time using the storage conditions described in the packaging. Alternatively, accelerated studies in elevated temperature and/or relative humidity can be performed to approximate the shelf life within a shorter time frame. In addition to the best-before or use-by date, the period after opening can also be determined. Every shelf life study is unique, and the testing conditions, duration, and analyzed parameters are chosen based on product characteristics and related risks. For more information and a quote tailored to your product, please contact us through the form below.

Standard ISO 22196 outlines a method for evaluating the antibacterial activity of plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The procedure involves inoculating the sample with a specified concentration of bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, and incubating it under controlled conditions. After incubation, the number of viable bacteria on the test surface is compared to that on an untreated control surface. The difference is quantified as a logarithmic reduction, indicating the level of antibacterial activity. This method is widely recognized as reproducible and consistent, making it a reliable tool for assessing the efficacy of antibacterial treatments in industries such as healthcare, packaging, and consumer products. The lower end of the price range applies to testing with one bacterial strain, while the higher end includes analyses with both S. aureus and E. coli.

Analysis package for dietary supplements. All supplement products must comply with maximum levels for heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), as specified in Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915. Microbiological quality should also be assessed to ensure high-risk pathogens do not end up in the product. The displayed price includes the following analyses: Heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb), Aerobic plate count, Yeasts and moulds, Escherichia coli, Coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella in 25 g, Listeria monocytogenes in 25 g. Upon request, additional parameters can be added to the package at an additional cost. Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915 sets maximum levels for the following contaminants in certain supplement products: Citrinin in food supplements based on rice fermented with red yeast Monascus purpureus, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food supplements containing botanical preparations, including extracts and pollen based food supplements, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH 4) in food supplements containing botanicals and their preparations, or propolius, royal jelly, spirulina, and their preparations. Other available analyses that can be relevant depending on product composition include: Additional microbiological parameters, such as presumptive Bacillus cereus, Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, Other plant alkaloids, such as tropane alkaloids and opium alkaloids, Pesticide residues, especially in supplements containing plant-based ingredients, Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/POSH and MOAH), Dioxins and PCBs, especially in supplements containing marine oils, Verification of the amount of active ingredients, such as vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids. Contact us for more information.

Determination of the antibacterial activity of textiles and fabrics with the Agar method. This method is suitable for textiles that have not been treated with antibacterial substances that react with Agar.