Bacterial Tests

This test measures total culturable bacteria contained in a sample of pharmaceutical product, personal care product, medical device, or other similar material by culturing a measured amount of the sample on Tryptic Soy Agar and incubating at 30-35°C for a minimum of 3 days prior to analysis. At the end of the incubation period, bacterial […]

Background The Gram negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in soil, water, and other natural environments. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in humans, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with cystic fibrosis or hospitalized patients. P. aeruginosa is known for its ability to form biofilms, which […]

Coliform bacteria are common environmental bacteria, typically associated with the mammalian digestive tract. Although not generally pathogenic themselves, coliforms are a well-known marker of fecal contamination, and their presence is interpreted to suggest that potentially pathogenic bacteria may be present. This test detects both E. coli and coliform bacteria in bulk water samples or from […]

Background The Gram negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila is a common environmental cause of pneumonia, often associated with institutional outbreaks and environmental exposures. Legionella pneumophila is an endosymbiont of single celled protozoa that live in warm, stagnant water, particularly around temperatures of 30-40 °C. Building systems such as humidifiers and evaporative coolers may become contaminated by […]

Background Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) is a non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) implicated as a causative agent of a small number of infections post-surgery. NTM are common inhabitants of the environment and have been cultured from water, soil, and animal sources worldwide. They are known to be opportunistic pathogens, mostly affecting the immunocompromised or immunodeficient.