Microbiology

Safeguarding Prescription Drug Quality and Compliance

In the prescription drug industry, microbiological quality is mission-critical. From raw material qualification to finished drug product release, contamination control ensures patient safety, regulatory compliance, and product efficacy. At Q Laboratories, we deliver a comprehensive suite of microbiological testing services tailored to the unique needs of pharmaceutical and prescription drug manufacturers.


Our dedicated microbiology laboratories, combined with on-site technologies such as the Bruker MALDI Biotyper® (MALDI-TOF), provide accurate, rapid, and reliable microbial identification. With all services (microbiology and analytical chemistry) consolidated on a single campus, we eliminate the need to ship samples to multiple labs, streamlining your testing, studies, timelines, and reporting.

Our Capabilities

  • Microbial Limits Testing (USP <61>)
  • Specified Organism Testing (USP <62>, <60>)
  • Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing (USP <51>, EP, ISO, PCPC)
  • Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (USP <85>)
  • Microbial Identification (MALDI-TOF Biotyper®)
  • Growth Promotion & Suitability Testing
  • Validation of Microbial Recovery (USP <1227>)
  • Environmental Monitoring (USP <1116>, <797>)
  • Water System Validation & Monitoring
  • Viable Air Sampling (settle plates, strips, contact plates)
  • Surface Swabs
  • Cleanroom Monitoring & Validation
  • Compressed Air & Gas Testing
  • Cleaning Validations

Dedicated Microbial Identification Lab with Cutting-Edge Technology

We utilize the Bruker MALDI Biotyper® (MALDI-TOF) for high-resolution microbial identification. This technology supports international validation efforts, including pathogen confirmation after initial screening.

Our specialized lab provides rapid and accurate organism identification:

  • Confirmation of Positive Results
  • Identification of House Isolates
  • Possible Organism Banking & Long-Term Storage

Explore Test Methodology List

Note: This overview is not exhaustive. For detailed information on client-specific protocols or proprietary Q Labs methodologies, please contact us directly to discuss your specific requirements.

European Pharmacopeia C. albicans 2.6.13
European Pharmacopeia E. coli 2.6.13
European Pharmacopeia Heterotrophic Plate Count [HPC]
European Pharmacopeia P. aeruginosa 2.6.13
European Pharmacopeia S. aureus 2.6.13
European Pharmacopeia Salmonella 2.6.13
European Pharmacopeia Total Aerobic Microbial Count [TAMC] 2.6.12
European Pharmacopeia Total Yeast and Mold Count [TYMC] 2.6.12
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual B. cereus
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual Coliform
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual Listeria
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual Salmonella
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual Suitability of B. cereus
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual Suitability of Coliform
Gram Stain Gram Stain
ISO Detection of C. albicans 18416
ISO Detection of E. coli 21150
ISO Detection of P. aeruginosa 22717
ISO Detection of S. aureus 22718
ISO Enumeration and Detection of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria 21149
ISO Enumeration of Yeast and Mould 16221
ISO Preservative Efficacy Testing [PET] 11930:2019
ISO Suitability of Detection of C. albicans 18416
ISO Suitability of Detection of E. coli 21150
ISO Suitability of Detection of P. aeruginosa 22717
ISO Suitability of Detection of S. aureus 22718
ISO Suitability of Enumeration and Detection of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria 21149
ISO Suitability of Enumeration of Yeast and Mould 16212
PCPC Neutralization [PET]
PCPC Preservative Efficacy Testing [PET] M-3
PCPC Preservative Efficacy Testing [PET] M-5
PCPC Preservative Efficacy Testing [PET] M-7
Q Laboratories SOP General Enrichment Tests for Qualitative Detection of Aerobic Microorganisms and Fungi
Q Laboratories SOP Heterotrophic Plate Count [HPC] - Membrane Filtration (TGY) <1231>
Q Laboratories SOP Heterotrophic Plate Count [HPC] - Pour Plate (TGY) <1231>
Q Laboratories SOP Microbial/Filamentous Fungi Identification - Bruker MALDI Biotyper
Q Laboratories SOP Microbiological Examination of Environmental Surface and Air Samples (air settling plate, strip) <1116>
Q Laboratories SOP Microbiological Examination of Environmental Surface and Air Samples (contact plate) <1116>
SMEWW Coliform
SMEWW E. coli
SMEWW Fecal Coliform
SMEWW Heterotrophic Plate Count [HPC]
USP AET Neutralization <51>
USP Antimicrobial Effectiveness Test [AET] <51>
USP Antimicrobial Effectiveness Test [AET] with B. cepacia <51>
USP B. Cepacia Complex <60>
USP Bacterial Endotoxin - Kinetic Chromogenic <85>
USP Bacterial Endotoxin Test (Gel Clot) <85>
USP Bile Tolerant Gram Negative Bacteria <62>
USP C. albicans <62>
USP Clostridia <2022>
USP Clostridia <62>
USP E. coli <2022>
USP E. coli <62>
USP Enterobacterial Count (Bile Tolerant Gram Negative Bacteria) - MPN <2021>
USP Environmental Monitoring <797>
USP Growth Promotion <61>
USP P. aeruginosa <62>
USP Preparatory Testing <2021>
USP Preparatory Testing <2022>
USP Preparatory Testing <85>
USP S. aureus <2022>
USP S. aureus <62>
USP Salmonella <2022>
USP Salmonella <62>
USP Suitability of B. cepacia Complex <60>
USP Suitability of the Counting Method <61>
USP Suitability of the Test Method <62>
USP Total Aerobic Microbial Count [TAMC] <2021>
USP Total Aerobic Microbial Count [TAMC] <61>
USP Total Yeast and Mold Count [TYMC] <2021>
USP Total Yeast and Mold Count [TYMC] <61>
USP Validation of Microbial Recovery <1227>

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