With the ever-increasing contact with microorganisms, microbial analysis is becoming a requirement across a plethora of industries. Any industry where human health is at risk of being adversely affected by the presence of disease-causing bacteria needs continuous analysis.

Microbial analysis or microbiological analysis typically refers to the use of biological, biochemical, molecular, or chemical methods for detecting, identifying, and enumerating microorganisms in any material. This analysis can be done on food, beverages, environmental or clinical samples.

If you wish for a thorough analysis of fungi, mold, and bacteria in your food or beverages, there is nothing better than getting them microbiologically tested. The analysis even involves testing for allergens, pathogens, and other contaminants.

Ensuring that a product meets regulatory standards and can be distributed to customers comes with testing. It is undeniably one of the most crucial aspects of the food and beverage industry. However, that also means, there are numerous challenges when it comes to microbiology testing methods.

Identifying Microbial Threats 

Microbiological testing of food means examination of the microorganisms in food. These diversified living organisms can grow in extreme conditions where no other living organisms can survive. They can grow in temperatures like at boiling points and can similarly grow and survive in extreme freezing conditions like -20 degrees & -30 degrees.

As per the latest Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every food product has to be tested & approved before it is put up for sale in the market.

There is a direct relationship between microorganisms and diseases as these harmful living organisms are responsible for taking many lives with diseases like diphtheria, pneumonia, typhoid, amoebiasis, botulism, cholera, dysentery etc.

The microorganisms can be found in various foods & beverages, and they can be harmful if they enter into a human body. Some of these microorganisms could prove to be resistant to one or more types of antibiotics.

No matter what industry you’re dealing with, identifying threats to your home and workspace in the form of food you eat and water you drink, is crucial for reducing contamination and illness. Here are a few examples of microbial threats in food:

  • E-Coli 
  • Coliform
  • Enterobacteriaceae
  • Candida albicans
  • Sulfite reducing bacteria
  • Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA 
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Salmonella
  • Shigella
  • Vibrio cholerae
  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus
  • Listeria monocytogens
  • Bacillus cereus
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Aspergillus species 

Why Microbiological Testing? 

Microbiological testing is undeniably the most significant prerequisite and the integral part that must take place to ensure food safety. It can help you determine all the nitty-gritty details regarding a manufacturing process, processing environment, and a specific product batch.

Here are a few reasons for a microbiology test:

  • Identifying risk factors 
  • Verifying the manufacturing process 
  • Confirming that the guidelines are followed 
  • Identify the spoilage organisms in food
  • Identify the presence of endotoxins in the food
  • Identifying the disease-causing microorganisms in the food 
  • Meeting desired specifications for raw material, intermediate, and finished products

Who all can Benefit from Microbial Testing? 

Individuals 

You might find it pretty surprising that most individuals and households can gain knowledge and boost their health with testing services. Typically, when germs attack a healthy host, the immune system kicks in to protect your body. However, people suffering from cancer, cystic fibrosis, or other immune system disorders, microbial pathogens can even prove to be fatal for them.

That is when testing becomes the need of the hour. It can help you detect what is in your air, water, and food to get rid of dangerous pathogens without any hassle.

Industries 

This is one of the most significant areas where microbial analysis is essential. Detecting contamination and maintaining high-quality standards are necessary. And, that can be achieved through analysis. From prisons, healthcare facilities, laboratories, restaurants, and blood processing centers to food handlers, every industry benefits from microbial test methods.

Caregivers 

A caregiver must always be aware of the risk of infection to their patients. And, the risk becomes more prominent when they have an immunocompromised system. They are consistently required to dwell in a clean and sanitized environment. Testing and analysis are required to decontaminate their surroundings from disease-causing bacteria.

Wrapping it Up 

From the microbiological analysis of food to that of water, air and even the surfaces that surrounds us, you can count on our qualified and experienced experts for thorough testing and analysis. Our fast turnaround time and precise test results make us stand out. Count on our tailor-made solutions for getting all your testing needs fulfilled.

If you have any queries or are thinking of getting any substance tested, feel free to get in touch with us.

Citations: 

https://www.healthline.com/health/elisa#procedure

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323909587000030#!

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/posttravel-evaluation/rapid-diagnostic-tests-for-infectious-diseases

https://vesselmedical.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-mini-vidas/

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dna-fingerprinting-overview

https://torrentlab.com/standard-microbiological-testing-methods-for-food-and-beverages/

https://www.novatx.com/antimicrobial-testing/microbiological-testing-essential-guide/

https://delishably.com/food-industry/Three-Common-Methods-for-Microbiological-Testing-of-Food-Products

https://www.novatx.com/microbial-testing-services/importance-microbiological-testing/