Overview of About the Lab
Our laboratory supports water quality monitoring and decontamination assurance through a comprehensive range of microbiological testing services. Working alongside healthcare and technical teams, the laboratory provides reliable data to support compliance, validation, and ongoing risk management.
UKAS Accredited Laboratory
In-house Testing Facility
Validated Methods
Experienced Technical Team
TVC Testing
(UKAS Accredited)
Total Viable Count, TVC, testing forms part of routine monitoring for washer disinfectors and final rinse water. It provides an indication of overall microbiological control by measuring viable bacteria present within the system.
TVC testing helps you to:
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Monitor overall microbiological water quality
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Identify changes in system performance at an early stage
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Demonstrate ongoing control of decontamination processes
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Support compliance with recognised guidance
Testing is carried out using membrane filtration under UKAS accreditation. Results are reported electronically, with access to qualified laboratory staff for technical advice and interpretation where required.
Surrogate devices
(UKAS Accredited)
Surrogate devices are used as part of washer disinfector validation to simulate internal surfaces that may be difficult to access or assess directly.
Surrogate device testing helps you to:
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Assess cleaning and disinfection performance in hard to reach areas
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Provide a consistent and repeatable approach to validation
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Strengthen evidence of effective decontamination
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Support compliance with relevant guidance
Devices are processed through routine washer-disinfectant cycles and then analysed to evaluate performance. Further information on the preparation and use of surrogate devices can be provided on request.
Biofilm Testing
(UKAS Accredited)
Biofilm testing is used to assess how effectively washer disinfectors remove biofilm-associated microorganisms from internal surfaces under representative operating conditions.
Biofilm testing helps you to:
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Evaluate cleaning and disinfection effectiveness
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Identify potential biofilm development within equipment
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Confirm ongoing washer disinfector performance
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Support compliance with relevant standards and guidance
All biofilm testing is carried out using UKAS-accredited methods, providing reliable results to support validation and assurance activities.
Endotoxin Testing
(UKAS Accredited)
Endotoxin testing forms part of routine monitoring and annual validation programmes within controlled clinical environments. Endotoxins are bacterial cell wall components that may remain present even when bacteria are no longer viable.
Endotoxin testing helps you to:
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Detect residual bacterial contamination that may not be identified by TVC testing
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Assess risk within high-control clinical environments
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Support annual validation requirements
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Demonstrate effective system control
Testing is performed using a sensitive, industry-recognised method under UKAS accreditation, providing confidence that results are accurate and reliable for assurance and compliance purposes.
Endoscope Swab Testing
Endoscope swab testing supports cleaning verification following decontamination and is referenced within HTM 01-06 as part of routine assurance for endoscope reprocessing.
Endoscope swab testing helps you to:
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Verify the effectiveness of cleaning processes
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Detect residual protein and microorganisms after processing
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Identify potential issues with disinfection or contamination
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Assure consistent decontamination performance
Testing strengthens quality assurance and supports patient safety and compliance with recognised guidance.
Pseudomonas Testing
(UKAS Accredited)
Testing for Pseudomonas aeruginosa is carried out in line with national guidance, including HTM 04-01 for water outlets and taps, and HTM 01-06 for final rinse water used in washer disinfectors.
Pseudomonas testing helps you to:
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Monitor water outlets and final rinse systems in accordance with guidance
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Identify contamination at an early stage
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Demonstrate effective microbiological control
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Support ongoing compliance within clinical environments
Routine monitoring provides reassurance that water quality remains suitable for clinical use and that decontamination processes continue to meet recognised standards.
Legionella Testing
(UKAS Accredited)
Legionella testing monitors water systems where exposure may pose a risk to staff, patients, or the public, particularly in environments with vulnerable individuals. It supports a structured water safety and risk management.
Legionella testing helps you to:
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Identify the presence of Legionella species
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Assess overall microbiological water quality
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Support risk assessments and control measures
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Demonstrate compliance with health and safety responsibilities
All Legionella testing is carried out using UKAS accredited methods, providing confidence in the accuracy, reliability and suitability of results for regulatory and assurance purposes.
TOC Testing
Total Organic Carbon testing plays a vital role in maintaining safe, compliant and high-performing water systems.
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Measures overall organic contamination within water
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Provides early warning of conditions that may lead to biofilm or microbial growth
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Supports proactive maintenance and risk management
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Strengthens compliance, validation and audit assurance
Routine TOC monitoring gives you clear, measurable evidence of control while helping prevent issues before they impact performance or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our laboratory operates under UKAS accreditation for a defined scope of microbiological testing services, including:
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Total Viable Count (TVC) testing
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Legionella testing
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa testing
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Endotoxin testing
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Biofilm testing
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Surrogate devices
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Environmental mycobacteria
UKAS accreditation confirms that testing is performed using validated methods, controlled procedures and a robust quality management system. Accreditation provides confidence that results are accurate, traceable and produced in accordance with recognised standards and guidance.
Our team can confirm whether a specific service falls within our accredited scope upon enquiry.
Turnaround times depend on the specific test method and required incubation period.
Where culture-based analysis is required, results are issued once the prescribed incubation period has been completed. This can be from 2 to 28 days and is dependent entirely on the species and its speed of growth. For example, Pseudomonas results are typically available within 48 hours, whereas Mycobacteria testing has one of the longest incubation periods and can take up to 28 days.
Our team will confirm expected timelines at the point of booking to ensure planning and transparecy. Maintaining testing in-house enables us to manage turnaround efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
Yes. We can supply, as standard, sampling bottles and provide guidance to support correct sample collection and handling, with no hidden additional costs for standard sampling kits.
Clear instructions help ensure sample integrity, reduce delays and support accurate results. Where required, our team can also provide technical clarification regarding testing requirements and reporting.
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