Microbiology & Molecular Laboratory

In the Biology section we offer an array of Microbiology and molecular biology tests.

Our services include

• Analysis of a variety of food samples for total plate count, Yeast and mould count, coliform, faecal coliform, Enterobacteriaceae, E coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, pathogenic Vibrio spp (V. cholera, V. parahaemolyticus& V vulnificus), Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella spp, B cereus, Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, Sulphite reducing anaerobes, Aerobic and anaerobic spore formers etc.
• Surface sampling for packing materials and utensils,
• Testing for Legionalla in water,
• Clostridium botulinum in canned foods,
• Fish parasite,
• Beta lactamase in milk, .

USP: Detection of Salmonella using conventional culture methods involves a minimum of 5 days. In our lab Salmonella testing can be performed using faster and reliable of PCR, RT-PCR and VIDAS techniques.

Salmonella testing using VIDAS is based on the highly efficient ELIFA (Enzyme linked fluorescent assay)  technique. It is an automated system which delivers reliable results within 2 days.

• Real-time PCR techniques as well as End point for detection of Salmonella spp.
• PCR testing for detection of other bacterial pathogens such as Listeria monocytogens, V cholera, V parahaemolyticus, and Shigella.
• Testing for L monocytogenes require a minimum of four days where as reliable results can be obtained in 2-3 days using PCR technique.
• Detection of Vibrios and Shigella can be more sensitive and specific by using PCR technique.
• PCR technique is also offered for shrimp viruses such as WSSV, IHHNV, YHV, TSV, IMNV and PvNV.  
• GMO: A variety of food samples including cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables and also cooton seed samples can be analysed for the presence of  genetically modified organisms (GMO) using PCR technique.
• PCR method offers a fast, reliable and highly sensitive and specific method for detection of target organisms. It requires less labour and time compared to the conventional methods of detection.
• Testing of water for compliance to national and international standards. (Both drinking water and process water are tested according to their specifications. The specifications include IS 14543, IS 13428, IS 10500, IS 4251, and 98/83/EC. )
• Drug samples are tested for sterility and also for microbiological parameters according to relevant pharmacopoeias.

The test methods used are either internationally or nationally accepted testing methods such as methods published by ISO, USFDA-BAM, APHA, MFLP, AOAC, AFNOR or IS methods.

PCR testing is carried out mostly by highly efficient kit methods or methods based on papers published in International journals.