ALS offers a full array of Microbiological and Mycology Services.
WATER MICROBIOLOGY
ALS performs water microbiology testing services, using defined substrate technology designed to simultaneously measure Total coliforms and E. coli directly from water samples. This method is accepted by regulatory bodies and provides our clients with a fast turnaround time that is proven and accurate for both drinking and source water testing.
Why Test for Total, Fecal, and E.coli Bacteria in Water?
To put it simply, these organisms are good indicators of the potential contamination of a water source.
Fecal Coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), as well as other types of Coliform bacteria are part of the total group. The presence or absence of these bacteria in your water can be used to determine whether disinfection is working properly or may indicate recent contamination by human sewage or animal droppings, which could contain other bacteria, viruses or disease-causing organisms.
A basic laboratory test is the best way to determine if Coliform organisms are present, which will allow you to immediately investigate and safeguard water supplies.
Total Coliforms and E. coli results may be presented in a variety of formats as assessment methods have evolved such as presence/absence, colony forming units per 100mL (CFU/100mL) and most probable number per 100mL (MPN/100mL).
The membrane filtration tests for bacterial water quality actually count “colonies” of bacteria and are reported as CFU. ALS utilizes the defined substrate tests and provides report data as MPN, which is a statistical representation of what level of bacteria is likely present in a sample.
Each method uses different principles, and are two different ways of testing for the same parameters and are equally acceptable to most regulators and health jurisdictions.
INDOOR AIR AND DUST
In today’s working environment, the Industrial Hygienist (IH) has the challenge of solving a variety of indoor biological contaminant concerns. With the emerging field of environmental microbiology/mycology, the IH’s job is no longer limited to chemical exposure monitoring. Microbial indoor air contamination is an increasing concern, in residential, medical, industrial, governmental, and educational environments and buildings. Bacteria and fungi are found in virtually every environment both indoors and out, feeding on various materials and growing under a variety of conditions.
Sources include:
- Air Cellulose Based
- Decomposing Plant Matter Building Materials
- Household Dust Food Items
- Various Paper-Based Products Soil and Water
Solution
ALS offers a full array of Microbiological and Mycology Services, including Endotoxin and Mycotoxin Analyses. ALS provides:
- Competitive pricing
- Top quality defensible data
- Over 35 years experience offering industrial hygiene services