Services Details

Selecting Test Organisms: Antimicrobial testing typically involves selecting relevant test organisms based on the intended application and regulatory requirements. These organisms may include bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens commonly encountered in the environment or targeted by the product.
Preparation of Test Samples: Samples containing the antimicrobial agent or treated materials are prepared according to standardized procedures. These samples may include disinfectants, antimicrobial coatings, medical devices, textiles, or other materials intended to have antimicrobial properties.
Inoculation: Test organisms are inoculated onto the surface of the samples or introduced into the test system to assess the antimicrobial activity. Standardized inoculum concentrations and application methods are used to ensure consistency and reproducibility.
Incubation: After inoculation, the samples are incubated under controlled conditions to allow microbial growth. Incubation times and temperatures may vary depending on the test protocol and the type of microorganism being evaluated.
Evaluation of Microbial Growth: Following incubation, the samples are examined for microbial growth or inhibition. Various methods may be employed to quantify microbial populations, such as plate counting, turbidity measurements, or molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity: The extent of antimicrobial activity is determined by comparing the microbial growth observed on treated samples with untreated controls. This may involve calculating reduction factors, determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), or assessing log reduction values.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Test results are analyzed to determine the efficacy of the antimicrobial treatment or agent. The data are interpreted in the context of regulatory requirements, industry standards, and product specifications.
Reporting and Compliance: Antimicrobial testing results are documented in a comprehensive report that includes detailed methodology, test results, statistical analysis, and conclusions. This information may be submitted to regulatory agencies for product approval or used for quality control purposes by manufacturers.
Quality Control and Validation: Antimicrobial testing laboratories adhere to rigorous quality control measures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of test results. This includes validation of test methods, calibration of equipment, proficiency testing, and adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines.