Antimicrobial Testing Laboratory
Dec 3, 2015
Antimicrobial Testing Laboratory is a microbiology laboratory and it offers a wide range of testing capabilities, which are performed by experienced and specialized microbiologists. This laboratory performs various product efficacy tests to support companies, which make antimicrobial products. Clients gets much needed support from this laboratory, which include designing simple proof-of-concept screening tests to conducting complex, large scale GLP- compliant studies for FDA and EPA.
Many methods can be used for testing antimicrobial objects, textiles and surfaces. These methods differ in terms of compatibility with the level of standardization, sensitivity to antimicrobial activity and test material. In order to get the accurate result, you must use the best test method. Services offered by an antimicrobial testing laboratory include:
Disinfectants/sanitizers
Medical devices
Antimicrobial surfaces
Virucidal disinfectants
Preservatives
Antimicrobial devices
Disinfectants/Sanitizers
The testing laboratory can provide a complete EPA, ASTM, AOAC and other test methods to support companies, which manufacture germicidal chemicals. The lab is GLP compliant and EPA inspected.
Medical Devices
Proper antimicrobial testing is essential for preventing infections. Medical devices can be used antimicrobial agents, so the testing laboratory can perform GLP antimicrobial efficacy studies for supporting companies.
Virucidal Disinfectants
The number of laboratories that test products against viruses is very minimal in the US. However, antimicrobial testing laboratories can maintain a large collection of pathogenic viruses for efficacy testing.
Preservatives
Preservatives can also be tested in this testing laboratory. Generally, preservatives ensure the microbiological stability of cosmetics, cleaners and reagents. Testing labs can also undertake various preservative test methods.
Antimicrobial Devices
The testing lab can also perform antimicrobial device testing, which range from room UV disinfection devices to foggers.
Disinfectants
Sanitizers and disinfectants are chemicals, which are used for inactivating microorganisms on inanimate surfaces. Disinfectants and antibiotics are different though both of them are used for killing germs. Both of them are also considered as antimicrobial. Disinfectants can destroy many components of microorganisms, but they are not safe to inject or ingest. On the other hand, antibiotics disrupt one or more parts of microorganisms and they are relatively minimal toxicity to body.
Most disinfectants contain different ingredients, which include detergents, fragrances and water. These shelf-stable, complete solutions are called formulations. Most disinfectants are excellent cleaners as well. The active ingredient is the chemical that kills microorganisms. These disinfectants are used for killing microorganisms in your body. In such case, these are called antiseptics. Active ingredients, that are used on hands, are called hand sanitizers. Some potent active ingredients are used in high concentration to sterilize medical equipment like surgical endoscopes, without heat. The formulation, which sterilizes medical equipment is known as cold sterilants.
Inanimate surface sanitizers and disinfectants are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as pesticides. EPA considers fungi, parasites, viruses and bacteria as pests. The finished products must be tested for antimicrobial efficacy to determine how and where the product is intended to be used. Shelf-life, durability and preservation challenges are some considerations while selecting an antimicrobial testing laboratory for a specific industry or product. Therefore, you must be very careful while selecting a laboratory for antimicrobial testing.