Nelson Labs offers competitive turnaround time and pricing on microbial identification services. We specialize in accurately identifying unknown bacterial and fungal isolates from a wide range of sources. Microbial identification tests are generally performed following bioburden tests, environmental monitoring, tissue testing, and sterility/BI testing.
Test systems available are:
- Gram Stain: Assesses colony morphology, cell morphology, and Gram reaction to confirm culture purity and distinguish bacteria from yeast (does not provide species-level identification).
- Genotypic Identification (DNA Sequencing): Provides species-level ID; targets the 16S rRNA gene (bacteria) and the LSU D2 gene (fungi) and then compares sequences against validated databases for precise results.
- MALDI-TOF Identification (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization – Time of Flight): Uses mass spectrometry to analyze ionized proteins from bacterial or fungal samples. The resulting spectra are compared to a database for genus or species-level identification.
- Additional information on the IDT200 identification method can be found here. Please note that MALDI-TOF identification is only available at the Salt Lake City facility.
Diverse Sample Acceptance: We’re equipped to handle a variety of sample types, including:
- Isolated cultures (on plates, slopes, or in broth)
- Mixed cultures
- Environmental monitoring
- Water samples
- Contaminated product samples
Applicable Standards
- USP <71>
- ISO 11737
- USP <1113>
- USP <61>
- USP <62>
