Lab Services

ECHA’s Laboratory Services

ECHA Microbiology has a fully equipped and professionally staffed microbiology laboratory providing quality-controlled, validated analytical techniques for microbiological testing of a wide range of materials;

• Aviation, marine and other fuels and associated water
• Lubricating, hydraulic and other oils
• Metal working fluids and industrial process fluids
• Ballast, bilge, sprinkler system and closed heating /cooling waters
• Environmental waters and trade effluents
• Crude oils
• Manufactured products and raw materials
• Paints and coatings

Laboratory Analysis

Laboratory analysis can be conducted:

• As part of routine monitoring programmes
• To investigate operational incidents (for example microbial corrosion or product contamination)
• As part of facility quality audits
• To investigate the susceptibility of materials to microbial attack
• To evaluate the effectiveness of biocides and preservatives
• specifications
• To confirm compliance of products and raw materials with microbiological standards
• As part of a health hazard risk assessment

Microbiological testing can be conducted in accordance with standard methods (IP, ASTM, EN, BS, USP, EP) or alternatively, we can design and adapt methods to meet your specific requirements.  Many of our clients seek more than numerical results; ECHA consultants offer thorough insights into the significance of results and recommend further actions in our test reports. We can also conduct short and long-term laboratory investigations to assist in your research and development plans.

Types of Microbiological Testing

Examples of the type of microbiological testing we conduct are;

• Testing of fuels oils and metal working fluids (e.g. to IP 385, IP 613 /ASTM D7978, IP 472 and ASTM D7463)
• Challenge testing to evaluate biocide and preservative efficacy in fuels and oils, finished products, fluids & materials (e.g. to ASTM E979, E1259, E2275, USP 51)
• Testing to investigate Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC) (e.g. NACE TM0-194)
• Molecular based microbiological analyses including qPCR and Next Generation Sequencing
• Testing of Paints & Coatings; including ‘dry-film’ and ‘in-can’ challenge/preservation testing (using both standard ASTM D2574, D5590, IBRG and in-house methods)
• Disinfection efficacy testing against bacteria and fungi to CEN/TC 216, ASTM and JISC standards.
• Bioburden / Microbial Limits testing of finished products and raw materials (Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC) and Total Yeasts & Mould Count (TYMC) by USP 61/62, EP 2.6.12/2.6.13)
• Assessment for hazardous or objectionable microorganisms (Coliforms, coli, Enterococci, Pseudomonas, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Clostridia, etc.)
• Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (BET) (USP 85 / EP 2.6.14: gel-clot method)
• Microbiological analysis of waters, including environmental, recreational, process and heating waters (e.g. Total Viable Count (TVC) / Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC / Aerobic Colony Count (ACC)) and specific microorganisms including Sulphate Reducing Bacteria and Nitrite Reducing Bacteria).
• Identification of microbial contaminants
• Environmental air sampling and monitoring

We can also provide non-microbiological analyses, including:

• Water content and particulates in fuels and oils and other petroleum industry specification tests (e.g. IP 438, ASTM D6217, ASTM D4176)
• Waste Discharge Analysis / Trade Effluent (e.g. Oil in Water, BOD, COD, TOC, TSS, Detergents)

Added Value Service

ECHA prides itself on its value-added approach to laboratory analysis, offering clear, easy-to-understand reporting that explains result significance and suggests appropriate next steps. We ensure a prompt turnaround and can provide interim results reporting for urgent needs.

Through ECHA’s laboratory services, you gain direct access to our Consultancy services. The cost of laboratory analyses varies based on analysis type, sample quantity, and reporting requirements.